Scientists thought this tiny, blind mole was extinct for over 85 years, but they were wrong

• De Winton's golden mole was last spotted in 1937, leading researchers to believe it went extinct.
• Researchers collected soil samples to try and find genetic evidence that the moles were still alive.
• They found that evidence, and two living De Winton's moles, which they photographed.

Five scientists and one border collie set out to find an animal thought to be extinct for over 80 years by following the ever-changing treasure map of the sand.

They were searching for signs of De Winton's golden mole, which is a small, shiny, blind mammal that uses strong paws to tunnel under sand in South Africa.