Overview

• Photographs taken by Neil Roberts in June 2023 have been verified by specialists as the first modern images of Depastrum cyathiforme.
• A follow-up survey this summer conducted by British Wildlife magazine located at least one additional individual on South Uist, indicating a remnant population.
• The species had been feared globally extinct after no confirmed sightings since a 1976 record in Roscoff, northern France.
• Smithsonian jellyfish expert Allen Collins said the find confirms the species persists and expressed hope of uncovering more specimens.
• Researchers aim to broaden searches along British and Irish coastlines to map the jellyfish’s full contemporary range.