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Creature 
Fast Facts

Introducing you to extinct species.

Zulu ambush katydid

THE ZULU

AMBUSH KATYDID

1. Only two Zulu ambush katydids, Peringueyella zulu, have ever been collected. 2. They were found in different regions within KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. 3. The morphology (body structure) of this katydid indicates it had a strictly predatory diet. 4. There are no verified facts on its size, but the body structure of the male and female can be seen using the second link down below. 5. The Zulu ambush katydid was a member of the Peringueyella, a genus of bush cricket preferring grasslands. 6. There are over 3,000 species of katydids. 7. Katydids are called 'bush crickets' or 'long-horned grasshoppers', though not related to either. 8. Though currently listed as critically endangered, the last specimen of Zulu ambush katydid was collected in 1922.

Extinction 
Cometh

Facing the light at the end of the tunnel

EXTINCTION DATE

1922

There is very little known about the habits and extinction of the Zulu ambush katydid. It is currently listed as critically endangered or possibly extinct under criteria B2, which is 'small area of occupancy'. It is only known from two specimens collected in 1922 from two different areas of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. Even at that time, the two specimens would have struggled to overcome habitat fragmentation, as the two areas were far apart. It is speculated that it struggled to compete with cattle and other animals that ate the grass within its range. Exotic timber plantations & crops such as maize/corn would have also altered its habitat, making survival difficult. Although Jurassic Park is fiction, scientists are working on several de-extinction projects. In fact, in 2003 scientists did bring back the extinct Pyrenean ibex, a type of wild goat, for 7 minutes before it died, showing de-extinction is possible. The Zulu ambush katydid might be a candidate. Scientists would potentially use DNA from the two museum specimens. Organizations like Conservation South Africa are working with the government, farmers, and the private sector on initiatives to protect lands in South Africa and have set many goals by 2030. South Africa is working to solve its environmental issues such as water pollution, air pollution, land degradation, solid waste pollution, and deforestation. South Africa has been working with other countries and organizations like the USAID to look for climate-friendly development that minimizes greenhouse gasses while maintaining a strong economy. If the Zulu ambush katydid was brought to life, could it ever be reintroduced to its native homeland in KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa?

Lazarus
Tales

Short stories of return

COMING SOON

The Zulu ambush katydid's Lazarus tale has yet to be written, but what adventures will await it when it returns to South Africa? Stay tuned to find out.

More to Explore
All answers lead to more questions

A museum specimen of a male Zulu ambush katydid collected in 1922
Image from Orthoptera Species File Online

A museum specimen of a female Zulu ambush katydid collected in 1922
Image from Orthoptera Species File Online

Péringuey's ambush katydids
Image from iNaturalistNZ

The cerci (pinchers) of the Zulu ambush katydid
Image from Orthoptera Species File Online

Péringuey's ambush katydids image from iNaturalistNZ

Péringuey's ambush katydids
Image from iNaturalistNZ

Graph on global insect populations over the past 10 years
Image from Vajiram IAS

Katydids a & grasshoppers come in many shapes and sizes enabling them to thrive in various habitats
Image from Corné van der Linden 

Wild Kratts episode featuring grasshopper creature powers.
Image from PBS Kids

Bad pun about katydids
Image from Facebook

Katydid graphic
Image from Red Bubble

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