As Earth experiences melting permafrost, an Ice Age woolly rhino has emerged as a sign of climate change. The creature is in very good condition, even its organs appear to be almost intact.
According to the Siberian Times, the rhino was revealed as the permafrost, which is the permanently frozen layer of soil, thawed. It was found in the Yakutia region of northern Russia and is in fact the best preserved that has been found so far.
Signs of the woolly rhino
The species known under the scientific name Ceolodonta antiquitatis lived on Earth in the Pleistocene epoch that began 2.59 million years ago and ended in 10,000 BC. C. The species is the last in the evolutionary line of rhinoceroses of this era, which includes the last .
Woolly rhinos spread throughout Europe and northern Asia. From the center of Spain, passing through the south of England. To Mongolia and southern . Its main characteristic is the two horns on its head, the largest measuring up to 61 centimeters in length. These had a flattened shape on the sides, a peculiarity that makes them different from their closest relatives that have rounded horns.
young rhinoceros
The specimen found is a young specimen between three or four years old. He is believed to have died sometime between 20,000 and 50,000 years ago. This is by far the best preserved woolly found thanks to the freezing of permafrost.
The body still retains part of the hazel-colored fur, as well as soft tissues in good condition. Its intestines, teeth, lumps of fat and even its characteristic horn are in optimal condition.
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Valery Plotnikov of the Academy of Sciences of the Sakha Republic reported through the Siberian Times that they are awaiting the radiocarbon results:
“The young rhino was living separately from his mother when he died, most likely due to drowning. That of the animal is still unknown. We are waiting for radiocarbon analyzes to define when he lived; “The most probable date range is between 20,000 and 50,000 years.”
Despite the importance of the discovery that will allow the woolly rhinoceros to be studied in more depth, a sad truth hides behind the discovery. The permafrost is melting faster and faster due to the , a situation that could leave the Arctic landscape of Siberia with no point of return.