Lost Bird Species Rediscovered and Photographed in Congo

The Yellow-crested Helmetshrike, unseen for nearly two decades, was found during an expedition in the Democratic Republic of Congo, alongside the rediscovery of the Red-bellied Squeaker Frog.

A team of scientists from The University of Texas at El Paso and Congolese researchers rediscovered the Yellow-crested Helmetshrike in the Democratic Republic of Congo, marking the first-ever photograph of this species.
The bird, considered lost for nearly two decades, was found in the Itombwe Massif, a region recently made safer for exploration.
The expedition also led to the rediscovery of the Red-bellied Squeaker Frog, last seen in the 1950s.
Conservation efforts are being discussed to protect the Itombwe Massif's forests and its wildlife, amidst threats from mining, logging, and agriculture.
The discovery offers hope for the survival of the species and highlights the importance of protecting tropical forests to prevent the loss of unknown species.