Discover the incredible find of a 44,000-year-old mummified wolf in Siberian permafrost.
Discovery of the Ancient Wolf
A mummified wolf was discovered in the Siberian permafrost, marking the first complete adult wolf from the late Pleistocene era.
Location of the Discovery
The wolf was found near a river in the Republic of Sakha, also known as Yakutia, in 2021.
Significance of the Discovery
This discovery provides valuable insights into life during the last ice age and the region’s ecosystem.
Necropsy Performed on the Wolf
Scientists at the North-Eastern Federal University in Yakutsk performed a necropsy to study the wolf’s internal organs and stomach contents.
Preservation in Permafrost
The cold and dry conditions of permafrost mummification preserved the wolf’s soft tissues, creating a frozen time capsule.
Analysis of the Wolf’s Diet
Researchers are examining the wolf’s gastrointestinal tract to understand its diet and the prey it consumed.
Examination of Ancient Viruses
The study also aims to detect ancient viruses and microbiota within the wolf’s preserved organs.
Insights from Tooth Analysis
Tooth analysis revealed that the wolf was an adult male and an active predator.
Studying Ancient Microbial Communities
Scientists are investigating ancient bacteria that survived in the fossil to learn about microbial communities from that era.
Potential Medical and Biotechnological Applications
The study of ancient microorganisms could lead to discoveries beneficial for medicine and biotechnology.
Ongoing Research Project
The necropsy is part of a broader project to study Pleistocene wildlife, including other species like ancient hares, horses, and a Holocene bear.
Future Research Plans
The team plans to study the genome of the discovered wolf and compare it with other ancient and modern wolves.
Watch a video on the discovery here!
Linnea is a born and bred Swede but spends as much time as possible in Cape Town, South Africa. This is mainly due to Cape Town’s extraordinary scenery, wildlife, and atmosphere (in other words, because Cape Town is heaven on earth.) That being said, Sweden’s majestic forests forever hold a special place in her heart. Linnea spends as much time as she can close to the ocean collecting sea shells or in the park admiring puppies.
