Millions of years in the past, a rhino without a horn, roughly the size of a pony, roamed the forests and feasted on leaves in what is now northern Nunavut, marking the discovery of the northernmost rhino ever recorded. A recent study, released on Tuesday, has recognized this rhino as a new species and provides an interesting theory on how it ended up in that location.
Named Epiatheracerium itjilik, this rhino species was similar in size to a modern Indian rhinoceros but smaller than its African counterparts, standing at approximately one meter tall. Unearthed in the Haughton Crater on Devon Island, over 70% of the rhino’s skeleton was recovered, surpassing the previous record held by a rhino specimen found in Yukon.
Through the analysis of its skull, teeth, and other skeletal remains, researchers gleaned valuable insights about the rhino. The wear patterns on its teeth indicated it was in early to middle adulthood. Additionally, based on certain dental characteristics, the researchers inferred that the rhino was likely female.
The rhino’s habitat was depicted in an artist’s rendition as a furry creature without a horn, standing near a lake surrounded by various flora and fauna. Despite the region’s climate resembling that of southern Ontario today, the rhino would have faced snowy winters, prompting adaptations for survival.
Named after the Inuktitut word for “frosty” or “frost,” the rhino’s species name was chosen by an Inuk elder who collaborated with the paleontologists during fossil expeditions. Notably, this rhino walked on four toes, a unique trait among rhinos, and lacked a horn, a common feature in modern rhino descendants.
Different from other fossil rhino species in North America, this newly discovered rhino species belongs to a genus found predominantly in Europe. The researchers proposed a plausible explanation for its presence on Devon Island, suggesting that despite the absence of a land bridge between Europe and North America during its time, some animals could have crossed over due to ice formations during the Early Miocene.
The study’s findings shed light on a 40-year journey from the initial discovery of the rhino’s bones to its classification as a new species. The fossil site, located within the Haughton Crater, has yielded a treasure trove of fossil fragments, providing a glimpse into the diverse prehistoric fauna that once inhabited the region.
Despite the challenges posed by the Arctic’s harsh freeze-thaw cycles, the meticulous work of paleontologists has allowed for the reconstruction of the rhino’s story. The excavation and assembly of fragmented bones have been a laborious process, culminating in the identification and classification of this ancient Arctic inhabitant.
Overall, the discovery of this unique rhino species has captivated the scientific community, raising questions about prehistoric animal migration patterns and highlighting the importance of continued research in unraveling the mysteries of our planet’s past.
