Russia has unveiled the remains of a 50,000-year-old baby mammoth, nicknamed Yana, which was discovered in the permafrost of Siberia’s Batagaika crater. Weighing over 100kg and standing 120cm tall, Yana is the best-preserved mammoth body ever found. Scientists believe she was just one year old when she died.
The discovery was made possible by melting permafrost due to climate change, which has revealed the remains of other ancient animals such as bison, horses, and dogs in the crater. The 1-kilometer-deep crater is known as the “gateway to the underworld” and will provide new information about how mammoths lived and adapted.
Yana’s discovery was made by researchers at Russia’s North-Eastern Federal University, which has a dedicated mammoth research center and museum. The university described the find as “exceptional,” highlighting its significance in understanding mammoth biology and ecology.
As more permafrost melts, scientists expect to uncover more prehistoric remains, shedding light on the lives of ancient creatures and the impact of climate change.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/yana-baby-mammoth-remains-siberia-8966c2122128512ed2ec28506eb8e962