Researchers have recently identified a previously unknown species of rhinoceros that once roamed the High Arctic region of Canada 23 million years ago. This species, named Epiatheracerium itjilik, is recognized as the northernmost rhinoceros species documented in scientific history. The findings were published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution.
According to Danielle Fraser, head of palaeobiology at the Canadian Museum of Nature and the lead author of the study, “Today, there are only five rhino species existing in Africa and Asia. However, the fossil record reveals that more than 50 species once inhabited Europe and North America.” She emphasized that the discovery of this Arctic species sheds light on the evolutionary history of rhinos.
The fossil of the Arctic rhino was unearthed in the Haughton Crater located on Devon Island, Nunavut, a site known for its rich deposits of fossils. Remarkably, the fossil remains were nearly complete, allowing researchers to gain deeper insights into the evolutionary lineage of rhinoceroses. Rhinos have a documented evolutionary history spanning approximately 40 million years and have inhabited every continent except for Antarctica and South America.
The Epiatheracerium itjilik existed during the Early Miocene period and shares close relatives with other ancient rhinoceros species that lived in Europe millions of years ago. The study also suggests that this Arctic species crossed a land bridge from Europe later than previously believed.
The research team managed to recover about 75 percent of the skeleton, which included vital elements such as teeth, mandibles, and portions of the cranium. The fossil”s excellent condition, retaining three-dimensional structure with only partial mineral replacement, is notable in paleontological finds.
The name Epiatheracerium itjilik derives from Inuktitut, meaning “frost” or “frosty,” chosen to honor its Arctic habitat. The team consulted with Jarloo Kiguktak, an Inuit Elder, as part of their research.
Furthermore, the identification of this new species prompted a reevaluation of the evolutionary and biogeographic history of rhinocerotids. The research team analyzed 57 other rhinocerotid taxa, most of which are now extinct, to understand the migration patterns of ancient rhinos. Their findings suggest that these animals utilized the North Atlantic Land Bridge to migrate from Europe to North America, indicating that this route was in use much later than the previously assumed timeframe of 56 million years ago.
Fraser remarked, “Describing a new species is always exciting and informative. However, the identification of Epiatheracerium itjilik reveals that the North Atlantic played a more significant role in the evolution of rhinoceroses than previously understood.” This study highlights the Arctic”s potential for yielding new discoveries that enhance our comprehension of mammalian diversification over time.
