No trace of the animal has been seen since a single spotted pelt was found by a British explorer in 1932.
After 70 years, the animal has finally been captured on camera. The metre-long mammal is a member of the mongoose family.
It was snapped by a remote camera trap on the eastern side of Tanzania's Udzungwa Mountains National Park.
Secretive creature
A scientist from the Bronx Zoo-based Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) rediscovered the carnivore, known as Lowe's servaline genet.
"This is the first ever photograph of Lowe's servaline genet and confirms the animal's existence after 70 years," says WCS researcher Daniela De Luca.
"We now hope to find out more about the animal and thus help ensure its survival."
The creature was first described by British explorer and naturalist Willoughby Lowe. It is thought to be nocturnal and to live in trees.
Scientists plan to carry out more research in the area to see how many are left.
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