Today In History: March 17 2000

The Return of the La Gomera Giant Lizard A species long thoughtto be extinct for 500 years 

Back in 2000, this day was marked by a sensational find. The Department of Animal Biology from the University of La Laguna and the Department of territorial planning and environment of the Canary Islands had reported sightings of the La Gomera giant lizard (Gallotia bravoana), a species believed to have become extinct five centuries ago.The search had begun the previous year and initially six specimens were found. It is one of the most threatened species of reptiles in the world, although the conservation since then and the developed captive breeding program have improved the expectation of survival of this species, a jewel of the biodiversity of the Canary Islands.