Mummy of a juvenile sabre-toothed cat Homotherium latidens from the Upper Pleistocene of Siberia

Abstract

The exceptionally preserved remains of a juvenile sabre-toothed cat, Homotherium latidens, were recovered from permafrost deposits in the Abyisky District of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) in northeastern Siberia. Radiocarbon dating suggests that this cat died between 27,540 and 28,350 years ago, placing its existence during the Upper Pleistocene epoch.

The remarkably well-preserved remains provide a rare and valuable opportunity to study the morphology, ecology, and behavior of this extinct species. Furthermore, the discovery of this specimen in the cold, permafrost environment of Siberia enhances our understanding of the paleoenvironment and paleoclimate of the region during the Late Pleistocene.

Introduction

Sabre-toothed cats (Homotherium) were a diverse group of felids that roamed the Earth during the Pleistocene epoch. With their characteristically elongated, blade-like upper canines, these cats were fearsome predators, preying on a variety of herbivores. Despite their widespread distribution, the fossil record of Homotherium is relatively sparse, making the discovery of well-preserved specimens like the Abyisky mummy a significant contribution to our knowledge of this genus.

Discovery and Excavation

The remains of the juvenile Homotherium latidens were discovered by local residents in 2015 within permafrost deposits near the village of Abyisky. Permafrost, a layer of soil that remains frozen for at least two consecutive years, has the potential to preserve organic material for extended periods of time. This exceptional preservation quality has yielded a remarkable degree of detail in the Abyisky specimen, allowing researchers to gain insights into the morphology and behavior of this extinct species.

Morphological Analysis

The Abyisky specimen is a relatively small individual, weighing approximately 20 kilograms. Its body length from head to tail is estimated to have been approximately 1.5 meters, making it significantly smaller than the largest known Homotherium species. The discovery of this juvenile specimen provides valuable information about the ontogenetic development and growth patterns of these extinct felids.

The specimen's dentition exhibits features characteristic of Homotherium latidens, including elongated upper canines and specialized shearing premolars. The presence of deciduous teeth within the specimen's jaw further supports its identification as a juvenile individual.

Paleoenvironmental Implications

The discovery of the Abyisky specimen in permafrost deposits provides insights into the paleoenvironment of northeastern Siberia during the Upper Pleistocene. The presence of permafrost in the region indicates that the climate during this period was characterized by extreme cold and seasonal freezing. The landscape likely consisted of a mosaic of tundra, steppe, and boreal forests, supporting a diverse array of herbivorous mammals that served as prey for Homotherium latidens.

Further analysis of the Abyisky specimen and its associated sediments has the potential to reveal additional information about the paleoecology of this region, including the dietary habits of Homotherium latidens and the interactions between different species within the Late Pleistocene ecosystem.

Conclusion

The discovery of the exceptionally preserved remains of a juvenile Homotherium latidens in Siberia provides a unique opportunity to study the morphology, ecology, and behavior of this extinct sabre-toothed cat. This specimen offers valuable insights into the ontogenetic development, growth patterns, and habitat preferences of Homotherium latidens. Furthermore, the discovery of this specimen in permafrost deposits enhances our understanding of the paleoenvironment and paleoclimate of northeastern Siberia during the Upper Pleistocene epoch.

Ongoing research on the Abyisky specimen is expected to yield further Erkenntnisse into the biology of Homotherium latidens and its role within the Late Pleistocene ecosystem. Future studies may focus on dietary analysis, isotopic studies, and comparisons with other Homotherium specimens to gain a more comprehensive understanding of this extinct species and its place in the evolutionary history of felids.