Permafrost unveils 32,000-year-old saber-toothed cub in Russia

Russian scientists have made an extraordinary discovery in the northeast of the country. During their research, they came across a perfectly preserved body of a small saber-toothed tiger cub from 32,000 years ago. The find is exceptional due to the preservation of the animal's fur, which is rare for remains of such antiquity.

The tiger cub died at about three weeks old and is so small that it nearly fits in the palm of a hand. Aisen Klimowski from the Academy of Sciences of Yakutia, co-author of the publication on this topic in the journal "Scientific Reports," emphasised that such a well-preserved tiger cub has not been found anywhere else.

Klimowski stated that this is the first find that will show the world how they really looked.

Unlike the skeletons found in Texas, the tiger cub’s body from Russia was preserved thanks to the permafrost, which protected its dark brown fur. This will confirm the actual appearance of this animal.

Scientists discovered the tiger cub's body four years ago while excavating mammoth tusks near the Badyarikha River in Siberia. Yakutia, located by the Arctic Ocean, is a region dominated by wetlands and forests. About 95% of this area is covered in permafrost.

The rise in temperatures associated with climate change is causing significant areas in Russia to thaw. This results in the exposure of animal remains. This year, scientists from Yakutia also studied a recently discovered wolf body from 44,000 years ago.

Saber-toothed tigers appeared on Earth about 4 million years ago and went extinct 12,000 years ago. They inhabited America, Eurasia, and Africa. The find from Russia provides valuable information about these fascinating creatures, primarily because the remains are in very good condition.