A stalked jellyfish that was feared globally extinct has been rediscovered on the island of South Uist in the Outer Hebrides. The species, Depastrum cyathiforme, which resembles a thistle flower, had not been seen since it was recorded in Roscoff, northern France, in 1976.
The rediscovery was made by holidaymaker Neil Roberts while rock-pooling. He turned over a rock and examined some unusual-looking anemones and stalked jellyfish, taking photographs that turned out to be the first ever images of the species. Previously, it was only known from historic drawings and paintings.
Roberts described a 'niggle of doubt' when his online search only matched old pen drawings and watercolours. However, experts confirmed his photos were indeed the vanished jellyfish, leaving him 'well chuffed'. The find was revealed in British Wildlife magazine.
A follow-up search this summer by Guy Freeman, editor of British Wildlife, successfully located another individual, offering hope of a stable population on the island. 'When Neil first shared the photos it was like seeing a ghost,' said Freeman. 'This thing that had only ever existed in old drawings was suddenly there, in the flesh.'
Allen Collins, a global expert on stalked jellyfish at the Smithsonian Institution, called it 'a remarkable find' and expressed hope that more individuals would be found. Christine Johnson of Outer Hebrides Biological Recording highlighted the contribution of local naturalists to knowledge of biodiversity.
