This isn't just a cool "lost and found" story—it’s a hopeful reminder that nature can still surprise us. Rediscovering a species presumed extinct highlights the importance of protecting fragile ecosystems, even in unexpected places like rocky shorelines. For scientists, it’s a chance to study a creature they thought was gone forever.

Thistle-shaped Depastrum cyathiforme was last seen in France in 1976, but has now been found on South UistFor nearly 50 years, there has been no trace of Depastrum cyathiforme, a stalked jellyfish that resembles a thistle flower.The distinctive jellyfish was feared globally extinct after being last spotted in Roscoff, northern France, in 1976. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/01/tourist-rediscovers-jellyfish-rock-pooling-outer-hebrides">Continue reading...</a>

A tourist stumbled upon a jellyfish species thought to be extinct for nearly 50 years while exploring rock pools in Scotland's Outer Hebrides. The thistle-shaped Depastrum cyathiforme was last seen in France in 1976 and hadn't been spotted since—until now.

Tourist discovers ‘extinct’ jellyfish while rock-pooling in Outer Hebrides

Was this article worth reading? Share it

Ready to build your own newsroom?