(CNN) – Scientists have discovered a woolly rhinoceros that has been preserved in the Russian permafrost for over 32,000 years, with its skin and fur still intact.
This woolly rhino was around four years old at the time of its death. Its age, coupled with its remarkable state of preservation, has provided scientists with valuable insights into this extinct species.
“The vast majority of animal remains from the Ice Age are bones and teeth, with no meat, skin, or anything like that,” said Love Dalén, a professor of evolutionary genomics at Stockholm University. Although he did not participate in this study, he has researched other animal remains found preserved in the Siberian permafrost.
“There’s probably one in 10,000 where you’ll find something like this (the rhino). However, there are many samples coming out of the permafrost each year, so it seems to happen almost annually.”
The findings of this study, published in the journal Doklady Earth Sciences, revealed that the woolly rhino had a significant fat hump on its back and that its fur color changed as it aged.
When this woolly rhino lived in eastern Siberia more than 30,000 years ago, it would have been “one of the largest herbivores in the Ice Age ecosystem, second only to the woolly mammoth,” and it grazed on the grasslands there, Dalén noted.
Similar to modern rhinos, the woolly rhinoceros had two horns, one of which was “a very large, blade-like horn that is quite unique,” he explained, in contrast to the rounder horns of contemporary rhinos.
After the woolly rhinoceros died, it remained frozen in the permafrost until it was discovered by a team of Russian scientists from research institutions in Yakutsk and Moscow in August 2020 along the banks of the Tirekhtyakh River.
The study does not specify how the remains were found. However, in that region of Siberia, Dalén explained, local Russians dig tunnels into the permafrost searching for mammoth tusks to sell. According to an agreement with local authorities, tusk hunters must inform paleontologists whenever they discover something noteworthy like this preserved woolly rhino, resulting in a steady influx of well-preserved specimens from this area.
Following the animal’s discovery, scientists thawed it temporarily to collect samples of its fur, skin, and fat for analysis. While the right side of the rhino was well preserved in the permafrost, the left side was severely damaged, indicating it had been consumed by predators. The study noted that its internal organs were exposed and most of its intestines were missing.
Researchers observed a hump on its back measuring up to 13 centimeters filled with fat. Dalén mentioned that this feature is relatively common among Arctic animals and serves as a way to store energy for winter and convert food energy into heat without shivering, unlike humans.
By comparing this specimen, which had a light brown coat and a much lighter, softer undercoat, with others at different ages, researchers determined that young woolly rhinos had light, even blond fur that became darker and coarser as they matured.
Specimens like this are crucial for future research, Dalén remarked, since certain types of genetic testing can only be performed on tissue rather than on bone.
Discovering the Woolly Rhinoceros: A Fascinating Ice Age Find
(CNN) – Scientists discovered a woolly rhinoceros preserved in the Russian permafrost for over 32,000 years, with its skin and fur still intact. This remarkable finding sheds light on a species long gone from our planet.
What We Know About the Woolly Rhinoceros
This woolly rhino died at about four years of age. The excellent condition of its remains has provided scientists with new insights into this extinct species, once an iconic inhabitant of the Ice Age.
Rare Discovery
“The vast, vast majority of animal remains from the Ice Age are bones and teeth with no meat or skin or anything like that,” said Love Dalén, a professor of evolutionary genomics at Stockholm University, who was not involved in this study. He has studied others found preserved in Siberian permafrost.
“There’s probably one in 10,000 or so where you’ll come across something like that (the rhino),” Dalén added. With many samples emerging from the permafrost each year, it seems such discoveries happen regularly.
Key Findings from the Study
The research, published in the journal Doklady Earth Sciences, revealed that the woolly rhino had a significant fat hump on its back and that its fur changed color as it aged. It would have been “one of the largest herbivores in the Ice Age ecosystem, second only to the woolly mammoth,” Dalén noted, grazing on the vast grasslands of eastern Siberia.
Physical Attributes and Adaptations
Like modern rhinos, the woolly rhino had two horns, one of which was a large, blade-like structure—a unique feature compared to the more rounded horns of today’s rhinos.
Discovery and Preservation Process
This woolly rhinoceros was discovered in August 2020 along the banks of the Tirekhtyakh River by a team of Russian scientists from research institutions in Yakutsk and Moscow.
Discovery Context
Although details on how the remains were found are sparse, Dalén explained that locals often dig tunnels into the permafrost searching for mammoth tusks. Under an agreement with local authorities, these “tusk hunters” must notify paleontologists whenever they discover something significant, leading to a steady influx of well-preserved specimens from this region.
Scientific Impact of the Findings
After the discovery, scientists temporarily thawed the rhino to collect samples from its fur, skin, and fat hump for testing. While the right side of the specimen was well-preserved, the left side had suffered damage due to predation, with exposed internal organs and missing intestines.
Unique Adaptations
On its back, scientists found a hump measuring up to 13 centimeters, filled with fat. This feature is common among Arctic animals, as it allows them to store energy for the winter and convert food into heat more efficiently than humans, who shiver to warm themselves.
Coloration Changes and Implications for Research
By comparing this specimen, which had a light brown coat and a softer undercoat, with younger and older specimens of various ages, researchers determined young woolly rhinos had lighter, even blond fur. As they matured, their coats darkened and became coarser.
Significance for Future Studies
Discoveries like this woolly rhinoceros hold immense value for future research. Certain genetic testing can only be performed on soft tissue rather than bone, paving the way for new insights into the biology and evolution of ancient species.
Summary of Woolly Rhinoceros Characteristics
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Age at Death | Approx. 4 years |
| Weight | Large herbivore, second to woolly mammoth in Ice Age |
| Horns | Two horns, one blade-like |
| Fur | Light brown with a soft undercoat |
| Fat Storage | 13 cm hump on the back for energy storage |
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