CAPE TOWN, South Africa — 
Researchers in South Africa say they have rediscovered a species of mole with an iridescent golden coat and the ability to almost “swim” through sand dunes after it hadn’t been seen for more than 80 years and was thought to be extinct.
The De Winton’s golden mole — a small, blind burrower with “super-hearing powers” that eats insects — was found to be still alive on a beach in Port Nolloth on the west coast of South Africa by a team of researchers from the Endangered Wildlife Trust and the University of Pretoria.
It had been lost to science since 1936, the researchers said.
With the help of a sniffer dog, the team found traces of tunnels and discovered a golden mole in 2021. But because there are 21 species of golden moles and some look very similar, the team needed more to be certain that it was a De Winton’s.
They took environmental DNA samples — the DNA animals leave behind in skin cells, hair and bodily excretions — but had to wait until 2022 before a De Winton’s DNA sample from decades ago was made available by a South African museum to compare. The DNA sequences were a match.
The team’s research and findings were peer reviewed and published last week.
“We had high hopes, but we also had our hopes crushed by a few people,” one of the researchers, Samantha Mynhardt, told The Associated Press. “One De Winton’s expert told us, ‘You’re not going to find that mole. It’s extinct.'”
The process took three years from the researchers’ first trip to the west coast of South Africa to start searching for the mole, which was known to rarely leave signs of its tunnels and almost “swim” under the sand dunes, the researchers said. Golden moles are native to sub-Saharan Africa and the De Winton’s had only ever been found in the Port Nolloth area.
Two De Winton’s golden moles have now been confirmed and photographed in Port Nolloth, Mynhardt said, while the research team has found signs of other populations in the area since 2021.
“It was a very exciting project with many challenges,” said Esther Matthew, senior field officer with the Endangered Wildlife Trust. “Luckily we had a fantastic team full of enthusiasm and innovative ideas, which is exactly what you need when you have to survey up to 18 kilometers of dune habitat in a day.”
The De Winton’s golden mole was on a “most wanted lost species” list compiled by the Re:wild conservation group.
Others on the list that have been rediscovered include a salamander that was found in Guatemala in 2017, 42 years after its last sighting, and an elephant shrew called the Somali sengi seen in Djibouti in 2019, its first recorded sighting since 1968.

O Brasil convidou Angola para país observador do G20, organização que reúne as maiores economias do mundo.
Em comunicado, o Ministério das Relações Exteriores do Brasil recordou que, historicamente, as Presidências do G-20 convidam países não-membros do grupo, e Organizações Internacionais, para participar das reuniões do seu calendário de eventos.
Para além de Angola, a Presidência brasileira convidou Portugal, Egipto, Emirados Árabes Unido, Espanha, Nigéria, Noruega e Singapura.
O Brasil convida também o Banco Interamericano de Desenvolvimento, Banco Mundial, Conferência das Nações Unidas sobre o Comércio e Desenvolvimento, Cooperação Andina de Fomento, Fundo Monetário Internacional, Novo Banco de Desenvolvimento, ONU, UNESCO, FAO, OIT, OMS e a Organização Mundial do Comércio.
De referir que, o Brasil é Coordenador do Grupo formado pelos países mais desenvolvidos + a União Europeia e também a União Africana.

Ella Chuku is not just an accomplished figure in events and entrepreneurship. She is a driving force for positive change, a beacon of hope for women and children, and a relentless advocate for sustainable development in Africa.
“Sustainability is not just a goal but a shared responsibility for a better, more equitable future,” remarked Ella Chuku, exuding passion and a sense of grace. In her role as the Principal Consultant at A2Z Events and as the managing partner at Future Now Innovations and Concepts, Ella has led initiatives focused on entrepreneurial networking and recognizing exemplary youth through projects like Escape Awards Africa, and the Gist Foodies. Her commitment to fostering talent and creating opportunities for the next generation is unwavering, and her impact is felt far and wide.
As the curator of the Mind Yourself Masterclass, she aims to encourage professionals to realize their full potential and reach the highest levels of self-actualization possible. Beyond her professional endeavors, Ella’s passion for women’s rights and the girl child led her to establish The Women Who Win Worldwide Network.

This powerful initiative has become a platform for nurturing and uplifting women and children, providing vital mentorship and support. Ella’s work has gone beyond mere empowerment, shaping a generation of women and girls into leaders, thinkers, and change-makers.
“In my journey, I trust my instincts and am committed to nurturing a generation of thinkers and change-makers, fostering a sense of social responsibility and empowerment,” said Ella Chuku.
Her love for fast cars mirrors her dedication to swift progress, and her dynamic approach ensures that she is not easily deterred. Ella’s dedication to sustainability and innovation is palpable. Related News
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Her involvement as the Executive representative of Nigeria for Henley Business School and Climate Africa highlights her pursuit of impactful change, driving towards a future where business and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.
Her collaboration with young talents in developing new technologies and applications through Innovations Incorporated is a testament to her commitment to cultivating innovation and progress.
As the former Operations Manager at Landmark Centre, Ella played a pivotal role in the development and management of the premier events and convention center in Lagos. Her consultative role with iconic brands such as The Hard Rock Café, Lagos, and Shiro Restaurant underscores her commitment to delivering exceptional experiences and fostering growth within the events industry.

Ella’s aspirations extend beyond herself and her organizations. Her partnerships with like-minded African organizations demonstrate her dedication to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 and beyond. Ella’s relentless pursuit of shared knowledge, sustainability, and progress is a testament to her vision for a better, more equitable future in Africa.
Ella’s story is one of tenacity, compassion, and unwavering dedication to progress. Her impact resonates beyond the boardrooms and event spaces she frequents, shaping a narrative of empowerment and possibility for countless others. As her light continues to shine, Ella Chuku stands as a testament to the power of determination and a person’s profound impact on the world.