Explorers find species thought to be extinct amid ancient ruins of 'Lost City of the Monkey God' dee [View all]

[Judi Lynn]

Explorers find species thought to be extinct amid ancient ruins of 'Lost City of the Monkey God' deep in the rainforests of Honduras

Expedition to ancient ruins at a site deep within the Mosquitia rainforest discovers ecological wonders

At least three species believed to be extinct were discovered during the three-week mission

The Pale-faced Bat, False Tree Coral Snake and tiger beetle were all discovered thriving at the site

Researchers also discovered 22 species that have never before been recorded in Honduras

In total, the team documented 246 species of butterflies and moths, 30 bats, 57 amphibians and reptiles

By KEITH GRIFFITH FOR DAILYMAIL.COM

PUBLISHED: 17:30 EDT, 22 June 2019 | UPDATED: 17:30 EDT, 22 June 2019

Explorers penetrating deep into the Mosquitia rainforest of Honduras have rediscovered species thought to be extinct at ancient ruins known as the 'Lost City of the Monkey God'.

The three-week mission, carried out by a team of scientists led by Conservation International's Rapid Assessment Program, discovered a veritable ecological treasure trove at the hidden ruins, scientists announced on Thursday.

The three rediscovered species which were believed extinct are:

The Pale-faced Bat, which had not been reported in Honduras for more than 75 years

The False Tree Coral Snake, which had not been reported in Honduras since 1965

A tiger beetle, which had only ever been recorded in Nicaragua and was thought to be extinct

'Our team of scientists were shocked at the discovery of tremendously rich biodiversity, including many rare and threatened species,' said Trond Larsen, Director of Conservation International's Rapid Assessment Program, in a statement.

More:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7170761/Explorers-species-thought-extinct-amid-ancient-ruins-Honduras.html

Photos below.