Ice Age woolly rhinoceros found intact in Siberia's permafrost
The IFL Science portal reported the discovery of the "Ice Age Beast," which has astounded scientists due to its exceptional preservation. Found in Siberia, this remarkable discovery consists of the remains of a woolly rhinoceros with well-preserved soft tissues, a surprising find for researchers.
Scientists from the North-Eastern Federal University (NEFU) made this significant discovery in the Oymyakon region of Siberia. The remains of the extinct woolly rhinoceros, "frozen like a piece of meat for thousands of years," were found in excellent condition. The discoverers noted the intact soft tissues, which they suggest could open up "intriguing scientific possibilities."
Need for more detailed studies
Maksym Cheprasov, a researcher at the excavation site, explains that morphological parameters indicate the rhinoceros is an adult specimen. However, to determine its exact biological age and sex, scientists must conduct more detailed studies once they can access the entire body. The remains will be excavated in autumn and preserved to protect them from adverse weather conditions.
Cheprasov further explains that scientists plan to investigate the diet of the Siberian rhinoceros and establish genetic links with previously identified specimens of this type. Despite the lack of many sharable details, initial analyses suggest a preliminary estimation of its age.
"This is undoubtedly a relic from the last Ice Age," said Cheprasov. The woolly rhinoceros inhabited northern Eurasia during the Pleistocene period up to about 11,700 years ago when rising temperatures began to "thaw" the Earth. Climate changes contributed to their extinction, although some scholars believe hunting also played a role.
An exceptional find in Siberia
Scientists do not doubt that this find from Siberia is exceptional. "This is truly an exceptional discovery," said Anatoly Nikolayev from NEFU. He believes it will allow researchers to delve deeper into the region's history, fauna, climate, and geological conditions. Siberia has been the site of numerous other significant finds, including mammoths, lions, and birds. Scientists reported finding a frozen wolf beneath 130 feet of permafrost in Russia three years ago.
The aforementioned wolf proved to be a valuable research subject, offering insights into the animal's life in the past. Scientists hope they will eventually find frozen remains of Neanderthals, who inhabited parts of Eurasia and may now lie deep under the ice from the Pleistocene epoch.
