Researchers from Unicamp and the Botanical Garden of Rio de Janeiro have made a remarkable discovery of the Begonia larorum plant on Alcatrazes Island, a species that had not been seen for over a hundred years and was considered extinct. This plant is endemic to the island's ecosystem and has a rich history, first described in the 1920s based on specimens collected by the German zoologist Hermann Luederwaldt. The rediscovery underscores the importance of ongoing biological research and the potential for hidden biodiversity in isolated ecosystems.

The study detailing this finding was published in October of the previous year in 'Oryx: The International Journal of Conservation.' It involved the contributions of Gabriel Sabino, a botanist and doctoral student from Unicamp, along with his advisor Professor Fábio Pinheiro and other researchers. Their detailed observations provide insight into the plant's habitat, characteristics, and the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect its environment. This rediscovery not only shines a light on the plant but also emphasizes the value of preserving biodiversity within fragile ecosystems.

The significance of this finding extends beyond the plant itself, as it serves as a reminder of the potential for lost species to be rediscovered and the critical roles that conservation biologists play in understanding and protecting our natural heritage. As Brazil grapples with environmental challenges, such discoveries highlight the importance of scientific endeavor in identifying and conserving the rich biodiversity that exists within its territories, especially on remote islands like Alcatrazes that have remained under-explored for decades.