The mummified wolf was discovered in the Siberian permafrost in 2021. "44,000-year-old mummified wolf discovered well-preserved in Russia" Source: YouTube, Uploaded: New York Post
Discover the incredible find of a 44,000-year-old mummified wolf in Siberian permafrost.
Discovery of the Ancient Wolf
Researchers took samples from the wolf’s stomach and digestive tract. “44,000-year-old mummified wolf discovered well-preserved in Russia” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: New York Post
A mummified wolf was discovered in the Siberian permafrost, marking the first complete adult wolf from the late Pleistocene era.
Location of the Discovery
Tooth analysis revealed the wolf was an adult male. “44,000-year-old mummified wolf discovered well-preserved in Russia” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: New York Post
The wolf was found near a river in the Republic of Sakha, also known as Yakutia, in 2021.
Significance of the Discovery
Researchers examined the preserved organs of the wolf during the necropsy. “44,000-year-old mummified wolf discovered well-preserved in Russia” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: New York Post
This discovery provides valuable insights into life during the last ice age and the region’s ecosystem.
Necropsy Performed on the Wolf
Researchers will examine the samples taken for viruses. “44,000-year-old mummified wolf discovered well-preserved in Russia” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: New York Post
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 wolf necropsy is part of a larger project to understand the ancient fauna from Siberia. “44,000-year-old mummified wolf discovered well-preserved in Russia” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: New York Post
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
Newborn Arctic wolf (Canis lupus arctos), also known as the Melville Island wolf. Image via Depositphotos.
Researchers are examining the wolf’s gastrointestinal tract to understand its diet and the prey it consumed.
Examination of Ancient Viruses
portrait of a gray wolf on the background of the forest. Image via Depositophotos
The study also aims to detect ancient viruses and microbiota within the wolf’s preserved organs.
Insights from Tooth Analysis
Brandon Trentler from USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Tooth analysis revealed that the wolf was an adult male and an active predator.
Studying Ancient Microbial Communities
Wolf. Image via Depositphotos.
Scientists are investigating ancient bacteria that survived in the fossil to learn about microbial communities from that era.
Potential Medical and Biotechnological Applications
Wolf. Image via Depositphotos.
The study of ancient microorganisms could lead to discoveries beneficial for medicine and biotechnology.
Ongoing Research Project
Portrait of grey wolf in the forest. Image via Depositphotos
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
Red wolf. United States Fishing and Wildlife Service (USFWS), CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The team plans to study the genome of the discovered wolf and compare it with other ancient and modern wolves.
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.
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