Look! First-known photo of rare ‘lost species’ captured on island

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(WJW) — A rare bird was caught on camera for the first time since it was documented 55 years ago, according to wildlife officials.

The New Britain goshawk was spotted back in March by photographer Tom Vierus while he was visiting the New Britain island in Papua New Guinea with the World Wildlife Fund.

The WWF, which made the announcement on Sept. 13, said the sighting has been confirmed by internationally renowned ornithologists.

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According to the WWF, Vierus was trekking through the forest with locals and taking pictures of various birds when they stumbled across the goshawk.

"I wasn't aware of the significance at the time," Vierus said in a WWF . "It was such a great surprise to hear that this photo seems to be the first-ever of this 'lost species!'"

The New Britain goshawk, considered "vulnerable" by The IUCN Red List of Endangered Species , is only found on the island.

"The last documented scientific record of the species appears to be a July 1969 specimen that is kept in the American Museum of Natural History in New York, USA. While there have been multiple sight-only records in the intervening years, the New Britain goshawk seems to have eluded photo, sound and specimen documentation for 55 years," said John Mittermeier, director of the Search for Lost Birds at American Bird Conservancy, who helped confirm the sighting.

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According to the WWF, the area where the bird was spotted is part of the Nakanai Ranges. Experts say the ranges have been around for at least 10 million years.

"It is wonderful to see how conservation photography can help in safeguarding areas by documenting the existing biodiversity and also a good reminder of how important visual storytelling is," Viernus said. "I truly hope this mostly pristine part of the world can remain as intact as possible with the help of the local communities, their already existing conservation initiatives and the support of WWF."

Learn about WWF's conservation efforts here .