We thought this tiny mole was extinct, but it was just rediscovered! This is the De Winton’s golden mole. They hadn’t been seen since 1936 – until now.

Conservation scientists got help from a dog named Jessie, who was trained specifically on this mole’s smell. She searched and when she stopped, the scientists would test the area for environmental DNA (eDNA) left behind as the moles move through the sand. Because our ability to collect and sequence DNA has improved so much over the last decade, “eDNA” is offering new ways to monitor animals and know who’s where – without actually needing to spot them. And in this case, realize an animal we thought was gone is still with us.

This video is part of our show Huge If True. We just made a longer episode all about supersonic planes. If you like optimistic science and tech stories, follow for more! #tech #science #animals #stem #dna