Deep in the icy ground of Devon Island in Canada’s High Arctic, researchers discovered a nearly complete rhino skeleton, named Epiaceratherium itjilik, which dates back about 23 million years. This finding, made by a team from the Canadian Museum of Nature, shows that these creatures once lived much farther north than we ever thought.
The fossils were found in Haughton Crater, a massive impact zone that was once home to forests and lakes. Now, it’s just a frozen landscape. The team chose the name Epiaceratherium itjilik, which means “frosty rhino,” blending Latin with Inuktitut to highlight its Arctic roots.
Dr. Danielle Fraser, the head of palaeobiology at the Canadian Museum of Nature, explained that this discovery is a significant addition to our understanding of rhinos. “There are only five rhino species today, but once, there were over 50 in North America and Europe,” she noted.
How Did These Rhinos Adapt?
Epiaceratherium itjilik was different from modern rhinos. Smaller and slimmer, it lacked a horn and shared a closer resemblance to the Indian rhino. The name “itjilik” honors the local Inuit heritage, stemming from consultations with Elder Jarloo Kiguktak from Grise Fiord.
The original discovery of this rhino’s bones dates back to 1986 by Dr. Mary Dawson from the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Her work laid the foundation for understanding the Arctic’s rich fossil history.
The Amazing Condition of the Fossils
The condition of the fossil surprised everyone. Marisa Gilbert, a senior research assistant, remarked, “These bones are incredibly well-preserved, with about 75% of the skeleton intact.” Such preservation is rare and allows scientists to learn more about the past.
Gilbert worked on Arctic expeditions led by Dr. Natalia Rybczynski, who discovered another ancient species, Puijila darwini, a seal ancestor. The discoveries connect two evolutionary narratives—one of life adapting to cold and another of migration across continents.
Migration Mysteries
The location of Epiaceratherium itjilik adds a twist to the rhino’s story. Researchers studied 57 rhino species and found that this rhino likely migrated from Europe to North America via a land bridge through Greenland. Earlier beliefs said this route vanished 56 million years ago, but evidence now suggests it lasted much longer.
Using modeling techniques, Dr. Fraser’s team identified that the North Atlantic Land Bridge was still in use during the time of this rhino. This insight challenges previous understandings of mammalian migration.
New Discoveries with Ancient Proteins
In 2025, researchers made another breakthrough by extracting proteins from the rhino’s tooth enamel. This was a significant milestone, as it extends the timeline for recoverable proteins by millions of years. Ryan Sinclair Paterson from the University of Copenhagen led this effort, opening new avenues for studying ancient mammals through their biomolecules.
Dr. Fraser highlighted the importance of these discoveries. “Identifying Epiaceratherium itjilik not only uncovers a new species but also reshapes our understanding of rhino evolution and the role of the North Atlantic.”
A Glimpse into the Past
The Haughton Crater, now so frigid, once thrived with birch and larch trees. The changes over millions of years have exposed ancient bones through a process called cryoturbation, revealing a world that once was.
This discovery shows that even the coldest environments have rich stories of life. The fossil of Epiaceratherium itjilik serves as a reminder: the Arctic isn’t lifeless; it holds tales of resilience and adaptation.
The skeleton now resides at the Canadian Museum of Nature, meticulously prepared in collaboration with the Carnegie Museum. This research was published in Nature Ecology & Evolution and deepens our connection to Earth’s history, telling us about survival in ever-changing climates.
