Unveiling the 23-Million-Year-Old ‘Frosty’ Rhino: A Stunning Discovery in the Canadian Arctic

An exciting discovery has been made in the Canadian Arctic: a new species of rhino named Epiatheracerium itjilik. This well-preserved fossil comes from a time when the Arctic was much warmer, around 23 million years ago.

Found at Haughton Crater on Devon Island in Nunavut, the name “itjilik” means “frosty” in Inuktitut, reflecting the chilly conditions of today. However, when this rhino was alive, the area was a lush, temperate forest.

Dr. Danielle Fraser, who led the study, shared that today’s five rhino species are just a fraction of what once existed. Fossil records show over 50 species once roamed Europe and North America. This discovery helps scientists unlock secrets about rhino evolution.

The Arctic rhino was likely small and delicate, similar in size to today’s Indian rhinoceros, which stands about 1.7 meters tall. However, unlike its modern relatives, it had no horn. Researchers believe this rhino died young, as wear on its teeth suggests it lived only into early adulthood.

What’s remarkable is how complete this fossil is. About 75% of its bones were recovered in excellent condition, largely untouched by mineral alteration, according to Marisa Gilbert, a co-author of the study.

The fossil sheds light on how species migrated between North America and Europe long ago. Researchers placed E. itjilik in the rhino family tree using other extinct rhino species, suggesting these ancient animals used submerged land bridges for travel as recently as the Miocene era.

Interestingly, the discovery challenges previous beliefs about when these migrations occurred. Dr. Fraser emphasizes the North Atlantic’s role in rhino evolution, suggesting it was more significant than once thought.

This research underscores the potential of the Arctic to reveal insights into Earth’s history, particularly in mammal evolution. As we continue to explore, we may find even more surprising stories from the past.

For more details, check the full study in Nature Ecology & Evolution here.

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