Staff Reporter

A rare insect last recorded by scientists in 1980 has been found again in KwaZulu-Natal’s Umtamvuna Nature Reserve, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has said.

The finding of the granulate bladder grasshopper (Prostalia granulata) highlights “the critical biodiversity value of smaller protected areas managed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife,”  Ezemvelo communications manager Musa Mntambo said.

Ezemvelo is the province’s conservation agency tasked with nature conservation of protected and non-protected areas in KZN. It also promotes eco-tourism facilities.  

“Previously, the granulate bladder grasshopper was known from only three imprecise historical locations in Mpumalanga, the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, and the Eastern Cape,” said Mntambo in a statement.

South Africa’s national Red List assessment classifies Prostalia granulata as endangered.  

The species was photographed on 1 December in the reserve.

 “This discovery highlights how even relatively small protected areas play a vital role in conserving South Africa’s biodiversity, including species that are rarely seen and poorly understood, findings like this reaffirm the importance of ongoing research, monitoring and effective management of our protected areas.” said Dr Adrian Armstrong, Ezemvelo’s Animal Scientist (Herpetofauna & Invertebrates).

Situated on the KZN South Coast, Umtamvuna Nature Reserve was proclaimed a reserve in 1971 and later enlarged.

It is recognised for conserving the critically endangered Pondoland-Ugu Sandstone Coastal Sourveld grassland and a number of endangered plant species.

Rediscoveries can improve scientific understanding of where a species persists, but they do not necessarily mean it is secure. “Rediscovering a rare species doesn’t automatically mean it is saved,” Christina Biggs, Rewild’s lost species officer, wrote in a 2024 blog on what typically follows rediscoveries.

Mntambo said bladder grasshoppers are named for the swollen abdomen of the male. That abdomen, he said, “amplifies their distinctive calls that can be heard hundreds of metres away”.

The grasshopper can be identified by the tiny raised bumps, or granules, on its body.

“Despite its importance, Umtamvuna Nature Reserve faces several threats, including illegal livestock grazing, unauthorised burning and insufficient funding,” Mntambo said.

“A potential future threat to this endangered species is the drift of pesticides from neighbouring macadamia orchards,” he added.

INSIDE EDUCATION