After more than four decades in obscurity, one of South Africa’s rarest insects has made a surprising comeback. The endangered granulate bladder grasshopper, last recorded in 1980, has been rediscovered in KwaZulu-Natal’s Umtamvuna Nature Reserve, delighting scientists and conservationists alike. Found in a protected area better known for its rare grasslands and plants, the surprise encounter dramatically expands the known range of the species, which was previously documented only from a few vague historical sites. The discovery underscores the often-overlooked role of smaller reserves in safeguarding biodiversity, particularly lesser-known invertebrates. With its distinctive granulated body and booming mating call, the grasshopper’s return is a reminder that nature still holds remarkable surprises—especially where careful conservation endures.
Ezemvelo KZN
