In Siberiaalong the banks of the river Badyarikhaa group of mammoth tusk hunters made an extraordinary discovery: a saber-toothed tiger cub perfectly preserved in the permafrost. This exceptional 35,000-year-old “mummy” has allowed scientists to observe unique details never studied before.
Thanks to natural freezing of permafrostresearchers were able to analyze the cub belonging to the species Homotherium latidensa feline from the Upper Pleistocene. The study, published on Scientific Reportsconfirmed that the animal was only three weeks old, deducing this from the analysis of its teeth.
The cold, dry conditions of Siberia are ideal for preserving ancient fossils and organic remains. Precisely this characteristic has allowed us to keep intact not only the bones and muscles, but also the puppy’s coat and skin, as explained by Alexey V. Lopatindirector of the Borissiak Paleontological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences:
It is an unprecedented discovery
Scientists have noticed anatomical details that distinguish this species from modern felines, such as a robust neck and the absence of carpal pads, useful for moving on snow. Additionally, the cub’s coat was a dark brown color, a feature believed to be unique compared to today’s big cats.
The discovery not only provided a new look at what an extinct animal looked like, but also laid the foundation for future genetic studies. DNA extraction represents one of the main objectives of the research teamwhich hopes to further deepen our knowledge of this species.
The role of permafrost in preserving exceptional fossils
The Arctic region of Siberia, thanks to permafrost, has turned into a sort of time capsule. Extraordinary remains have already been found here, such as a mummified woolly rhinoceros and a 32,000-year-old wolf’s head. These finds offer a unique window into prehistoric ecosystems, rich in animals that are now extinct, including woolly mammoths and saber-toothed felids, as highlighted Manuel J. SalesaSpanish paleontologist:
Each discovery expands our knowledge. The possibility of finding an adult specimen would be incredible.”
