Remains of Woolly Rhinoceros Found in Siberia
Photos of the remains of a woolly rhinoceros were released on Telegram on August 2nd from the Omyakon district in Siberia. Scientists from Yakutsk North-Eastern Federal University (NEFU) later visited the site and took possession of the rhinoceros horn. Further excavation is planned to uncover the remaining remains.
“This is a truly unique find that will allow for a more in-depth study of the region’s history, ancient fauna, climate, and geological conditions,” said NEFU Rector Anatolij Nikolayev.
The frigid Siberian permafrost provides ideal conditions for preserving ancient remains. The cold temperatures mummify the bodies, dehydrating soft tissues and encasing them in a frozen “time capsule.” This allows scientists to gain a better understanding of the animal’s life and environment at the time of death.
Only five instances exist of woolly rhinoceros remains with intact soft tissues being discovered previously. This remarkable find is the first of its kind in the history of NEFU.
Woolly rhinoceroses lived primarily during the Pleistocene epoch, appearing in northern Eurasia around 300,000 years ago and becoming extinct around 10,000 years ago due to climate change and human activity.
NEFU scientists plan to thoroughly examine the horn before excavating the remaining remains. The exact age and sex of the animal will be determined after a detailed analysis.