In a surprising find, ancient cheetah remains dating back up to 1,800 years were discovered in a cave. Unearthed in Saudi Arabia near Arar, researchers excavated seven mummified cheetahs and the bones of 54 others. The preserved creatures display cloudy eyes and shrunken limbs, leading experts to speculate about the site possibly being a denning area for cheetah mothers.
Mummification, a process that prevents decomposition, is commonly associated with Egyptian mummies but can occur naturally in various environments like glacier ice, desert sands, and bog sludge. Joan Madurell-Malapeira from the University of Florence expressed astonishment at the find, emphasizing its uniqueness.
Scientists have also found mummified remains of other large cats, such as a saber-toothed cat cub in Russia. Preserving large mammals to this extent is unusual and requires specific conditions to avoid scavengers.
Cheetahs, once widespread in Africa and parts of Asia, now occupy only a small fraction of their former territory, largely due to habitat loss and hunting. The genetic analysis of the mummified cheetahs revealed similarities to modern-day cheetahs from Asia and northwest Africa, offering insights for potential reintroduction efforts.
Archaeologists recently uncovered evidence of a Roman industrial hub near the River Wear, close to the present-day Nissan car plant site. The excavation revealed over 800 whetstones used for blade sharpening and 11 stone anchors, confirming the site’s Roman origins through sediment analysis by Durham University archaeologists.
Volunteers from the Vedra Hylton Community Association made the discovery, highlighting the region’s significant industrial role in Roman Britain before coal mining, shipbuilding, and car manufacturing eras.