Explore Destinations Training Experiences

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Expeditions to (re)discover new or lost species.

Once in a life-time opportunities to explore the most remote and least understood places and biodiversity, and the potential to make some of the most significant discoveries in the world of wildlife conservation.

Join custom designed expeditions into the wilderness to search for species that have been lost to science or to identify new species using modern scientific techniques. Utilizing new environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques, these expeditions could significantly improve the accuracy and efficiency of discovering and conserving lost or rare species.

Ideal for private research groups, suitable for individual travellers. explorers and aspiring conservationists.

Amphibians

The search for Africa’s elusive amphibians has yielded some recent findings, but much remains unknown. Breviceps branchi (Branch’s Rain Frog), recently confirmed in November 2023 by TAP and partners, remains listed as Data Deficient due to limited data on its distribution and population.

Three newly described mountain toadlets—Capensibufo deceptus (Deception Peak Mountain Toadlet), Capensibufo magistratus (Landdroskop Mountain Toadlet), and Capensibufo selenophos (Moonlight Mountain Toadlet)—also fall under Data Deficient status. These species inhabit fragmented high-elevation areas within the Fynbos Biome and breed in shallow temporary pools. The challenge in assessing their status lies in the toadlets’ elusive nature, remote locations, and the sporadic presence of breeding populations. Invasive plants pose an additional threat to their habitats.

Birds

The African barred owlet (Glaucidium capense) is a small owl species found across southern, central, and eastern Africa, from Kenya and the Eastern Cape to Western Angola. Recent studies suggest that this taxon may represent up to four distinct species rather than a single one. This expedition will focus on the isolated Eastern Cape population, believed to be a separate species. The primary goal is to locate and capture individuals to obtain DNA samples, enabling comprehensive genetic analysis to update the taxonomic status of this species.

In addition to the African barred owlet, there is significant interest in exploring other under-researched African species. Utilizing new environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques, these expeditions could significantly improve the accuracy and efficiency of discovering and conserving these rare species.

Insects

South Africa is home to a remarkable diversity of butterfly species, many of which are highly localized and at risk of extinction. The Lepidoptera Society for Africa (LepSoc) lists 21 Critically Endangered butterfly species and several others that are endangered or vulnerable. According to LepSoc’s Conservation of Rare and Endangered Lepidoptera (COREL) list, at least three species are already extinct, with six more possibly extinct, all from the Western Cape province. Notably, species like Chrysoritis thysbe mithras, Orachrysops niobe, and Stygionympha dicksoni have not been seen for over 25 years, highlighting the urgent need for dedicated surveys and conservation efforts.

In addition to butterflies, the Colophon beetles, a unique genus with no close relatives, are also under threat. These beetles, native to the ericoid fynbos vegetation on the highest peaks of the Cape Fold Belt, are critically endangered due to habitat destruction, climate change, and illegal collection for the international beetle trade. Despite their biological significance and ancient lineage, these beetles have extremely localized distributions, making them highly susceptible to environmental changes.

Expeditions to survey both these rare butterflies and Colophon beetles are crucial. These surveys must be carefully timed and conducted in specific seasons to coincide with the species’ flight or activity periods.

Mammals

Four Data Deficient mammal species, Elephantulus pilicaudus (Karoo Rock Sengi), Galagoides granti (Mozambique Dwarf Galago), Mus neavei (Thomas’ Pygmy Mouse), and Thallomys shortridgei (Shortridge’s Rat), are highlighted due to their limited and poorly understood distributions.

Elephantulus pilicaudus: This cryptic species is mainly found in boulder habitats across five locations in the Karoo region. It requires further field surveys to assess its population, distribution, and habitat associations, especially considering its potential occurrence in protected areas like Karoo National Park.

Galagoides granti: Discovered in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, this species is restricted to dry sand forests. With limited data on its extent and habitat, further surveys are needed to distinguish it from similar species and to understand its ecological needs, especially given the threat posed by current land management practices.

Mus neavei: Known only from two locations in Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal, this species may have a broader but patchy distribution. Fieldwork is essential to confirm its range and habitat preferences, as it is often misidentified as a similar species.

Thallomys shortridgei: This species’ taxonomic status is uncertain, and there is little data on its current distribution. Found along the Orange River, it is likely arboreal and associated with Acacia trees, but more research is needed to understand its ecology and population dynamics.

In-depth field surveys and research are crucial for all these species to gather accurate data on their distributions, population sizes, and habitat needs, which will inform future conservation efforts.

Plants

Cycads are ancient seed plants (or gymnosperms) that date back to the Jurassic period. The illegal harvesting of wild plants and habitat destruction severely threaten these prehistoric plants. Worryingly, many cycads are Critically Endangered, and others are extinct in the wild, meaning none are left within their natural range.

Reptiles

This summary highlights four Data Deficient reptile species: Nucras caesicaudata (Bluetailed Sandveld Lizard), Afroedura pongola (Pongola Flat Gecko), Acontias albigularis (White-throated Legless Skink), and Acontias wakkerstroomensis (Wakkerstroom Legless Skink). These species have limited recorded distributions, and their conservation statuses are poorly understood due to a lack of recent survey data.

Nucras caesicaudata: Last recorded in the 1980s, this lizard is believed to inhabit arid savanna on deep sand in regions like northern Kruger National Park. Its absence in recent surveys may be due to insufficient effort or a decline in population. Further research in inaccessible and rarely surveyed areas is necessary to confirm its current status.

Afroedura pongola: Found only at two locations north of the Pongola River, this gecko is associated with granite rock crevices. Its small known range makes understanding whether it could be more widespread crucial for its conservation assessment.

Acontias albigularis: Recently described, this legless skink is found in montane grasslands of the Mpumalanga escarpment. Its range is not well-defined, and surveys are needed to assess its distribution and potential threats.

Acontias wakkerstroomensis: This skink, also newly described, is known from only a few localities in southeastern Mpumalanga and adjacent KwaZulu-Natal. Fieldwork is required to better understand its habitat and distribution, especially given its rarity and the difficulty in locating specimens.

Further field surveys and studies are essential for these species to determine their distribution, population sizes, and conservation needs, enabling more accurate assessments and potential protective measures.

Combinations

Join leading conservationists on a 21 day wilderness expedition to help increase the limited data on multiple species. Your participation will also support ongoing fundraising efforts.