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World’s youngest cave hyena fossil discovered in Gera!
A skull fragment discovered in Gera is the youngest fossil of a cave hyena, dated to 19,810 to 19,990 years ago.
World’s youngest cave hyena fossil discovered in Gera!
A sensational discovery in Gera is causing a stir in the scientific world! A cave hyena skull fragment discovered in this city is the youngest known fossil of this species in the world. Researchers at the Universities of Copenhagen and Potsdam have dated the fossil's age at an impressive 19,810 to 19,990 years. It therefore represents the last recorded cave hyena on earth!
A fascinating predator, the cave hyena lived during the Pleistocene and was once widespread across much of Europe and Asia. These animals used caves as shelters to break down their prey and raise their young. But around 12,000 years ago, at the end of the last ice age, they disappeared from our latitudes. The Gera find is therefore not only a piece of history, but also significant evidence of the last days of this impressive species.
Special exhibition in Gera
The remarkable fossil is currently being presented in a special exhibition at the Museum für Naturkunde Gera. Visitors can admire the skull fragment and other exciting exhibits that come from the “Lindenthal Hyena Cave”. This cave, discovered in 1874, was a treasure trove full of bones and teeth of cave hyenas and their prey. It's worth a visit to learn more about these fascinating animals and their history!