A new study revealed the discovery of a hornless rhino, the northernmost ever found, that roamed in what is now northern Nunavut millions of years ago. The creature, identified as a new species named Epiatheracerium itjilik, stood about a meter tall at the shoulder, similar in size to an Indian rhinoceros. The study, published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution, detailed the findings of over 70% of the rhino’s skeleton in the Haughton Crater on Devon Island.
From the recovered bones, researchers determined that the rhino was in early to middle adulthood. They inferred that the rhino was likely female due to the small size of certain teeth, a trait typically larger in male rhinos. The creature was depicted in an artist’s reconstruction as a furry, hornless rhino near a lake surrounded by various flora and fauna.
Named after the Inuktitut word for “frosty,” the rhino’s species name reflects its Arctic habitat. The discovery raised questions about its presence on Devon Island, suggesting a potential land bridge connection between Europe and North America during the Early Miocene. The study also highlighted the challenges and significance of reconstructing the ancient animal from scattered fossil fragments found in the polar desert of Haughton Crater.
The research findings shed light on the rhino’s unique characteristics and its potential migration history, offering valuable insights into prehistoric Arctic ecosystems.