In a remarkable turn of events that has sent ripples through the entomological community worldwide, the Monte Gordo Grasshopper, scientifically known as Eyprepocprifas insularis, has been rediscovered on the island of São Nicolau in Cape Verde. This elusive and enigmatic grasshopper species was last observed over four decades ago, with only a single specimen recorded in 1980. The grasshopper’s disappearance had led researchers, including the renowned Dr. Michel Lecoq, to declare it extinct in 1996, marking the end of what was thought to be a species lost to history. However, the recent expedition by field biologists Rob Felix and Annelies Jacobs has upended this assumption, offering new hope for conservation and biological discovery.
The rediscovery took place during a seemingly routine research trip, which initially aimed to document the island’s avian population and general biodiversity. While exploring Monte Gordo Natural Park—a protected area known for its volcanic origins and rich ecological framework—Felix inadvertently stumbled upon the grasshopper during a nocturnal walk. The rediscovery was nothing short of serendipitous; under the illumination of a handheld torch, the unique morphology of the insect was unmistakable, prompting an exhilarated exclamation that “it’s Eyprepocprifas!” This spontaneous observation was quickly corroborated, affirming that this ancient species had indeed survived unnoticed for decades within its isolated habitat.
Eyprepocprifas insularis belongs to a lineage often referred to as “living fossils,” a designation reflecting its minimal evolutionary change over millions of years. This species is brachypterous, possessing notably reduced wings that render it flightless—a trait thought to be an adaptation to the harsh environmental conditions of São Nicolau. The island itself is volcanic, dating back approximately five million years, providing a stable yet challenging setting characterized by strong winds and extended periods of drought. These conditions have shaped the grasshopper’s physiology and survival strategies, underscoring its resilience in a fragile ecological niche.
From an evolutionary perspective, the survival of E. insularis offers a rare window into the island’s ecological history as well as insights into speciation events in island biogeography. Its status as an endemic species points to a highly restricted distribution, confined solely to the montane environments of Monte Gordo and its immediate surroundings. This spatial limitation, combined with its unique physiological traits and lack of close extant relatives, makes the species an invaluable subject for evolutionary biology, ecology, and conservation science.
Prior to its recent rediscovery, the species had eluded detection for over 40 years, a gap attributed largely to its cryptic habits and the often inaccessible terrain of Monte Gordo Natural Park. The initial specimen collected in 1980 was the only known record, and subsequent failed attempts to locate further individuals had led to its presumed extinction. The rediscovery underscores the importance of persistent fieldwork and biodiversity surveys, especially in understudied or remote ecosystems where species can persist undetected for extended periods.
The resilience of E. insularis also highlights its capacity to endure severe ecological pressures that have affected Cape Verde’s insular environments. The archipelago is subject to climatic stressors such as prolonged droughts and convective winds that periodically introduce biotic elements from the nearby African continent. These factors create a dynamic ecosystem where endemic species like the Monte Gordo Grasshopper must continuously adapt or face extinction. The species’ survival amidst such challenges points to specialized adaptations in behavior, metabolism, and reproductive ecology that merit further scientific investigation.
Given the species’ rediscovery, the path forward centers on the urgent need for conservation measures. With a known population restricted to a single island and vulnerable to habitat degradation, E. insularis qualifies as a threatened species. The renewed attention offers an unprecedented opportunity for conservationists to prioritize habitat protection, conduct comprehensive population assessments, and implement strategies that mitigate the impacts of invasive species and environmental changes. Protecting this grasshopper will also safeguard the broader ecological fabric of São Nicolau, supporting the preservation of an entire endemic ecosystem.
Moreover, the rediscovery of the Monte Gordo Grasshopper stands as a testament to the unyielding nature of natural history and the surprises that field research can yield. It illustrates that extinction declarations, while necessary for conservation priorities, must be approached with caution in light of the ongoing unknowns in global biodiversity. Such findings encourage the scientific community to revisit other “extinct” taxa with renewed vigor and improved methodologies, especially in biodiverse yet remote regions.
The scientific description and documentation of this rediscovery were published in a recent article in the Journal of Orthoptera Research, providing a detailed taxonomic and ecological account of E. insularis. The paper articulates the biological significance of the grasshopper and advocates strongly for the integration of conservation action plans. This rediscovery not only enriches the taxonomic records but also ignites a conversation on the conservation importance of brachypterous orthopterans and their role as bioindicators in fragile island ecosystems.
In light of this discovery, ongoing research is expected to delve deeper into the population genetics of E. insularis to understand genetic diversity and connectivity within its limited distribution. Additionally, studies on its habitat preferences, dietary ecology, and reproductive biology are needed to inform in situ conservation strategies effectively. By establishing long-term monitoring programs, scientists aim to track the species’ population dynamics, assess environmental threats, and evaluate the efficacy of protective measures.
The rediscovery of Eyprepocprifas insularis on São Nicolau heralds a renewed wave of interest in Cape Verde’s unique biodiversity. It is a compelling example of how field-based scientific inquiry, combined with chance and persistence, can bring lost species back into the realm of possibility. As the grasshopper’s story unfolds, it will undoubtedly contribute vital knowledge to conservation biology and island ecology, emphasizing the ongoing need to explore, protect, and understand Earth’s most vulnerable species.
Subject of Research: Rediscovery and conservation status of the Monte Gordo Grasshopper (Eyprepocprifas insularis), a brachypterous grasshopper endemic to São Nicolau, Cape Verde.
Article Title: Rediscovery of the Monte Gordo Grasshopper Eyprepocprifas insularis: An ancient brachypterous species endemic to São Nicolau, Cape Verde (Orthoptera, Eyprepocnemidinae)
News Publication Date: April 24, 2025
Web References: http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/jor.34.144016
References:
Felix R, Jacobs A, Lecoq M (2025) Rediscovery of the Monte Gordo Grasshopper Eyprepocprifas insularis: An ancient brachypterous species endemic to São Nicolau, Cape Verde (Orthoptera, Eyprepocnemidinae). Journal of Orthoptera Research 34(2): 159-168.
Image Credits: Rob Felix
Keywords: Insects, Extinction, Discovery research, Biodiversity, Endemic species
