Paleontological discoveries link livestock to Madagascar extinctions and reveal ancient rhino in Crete

New research suggests that the introduction of domestic livestock played a significant role in the transformation of Madagascar's ecosystem. By analyzing a collection of ancient bones from cows, sheep, and goats across 23 sites, researchers from Oregon State University and Columbia University determined that these animals spread rapidly through the island's interior approximately 1,200 years ago. This expansion coincided with the disappearance of native megafauna, such as giant lemurs, elephant birds, and pygmy hippos.

In a separate paleontological discovery, a team from the University of Patras identified a fossilized rhinoceros skull in the Sitia UNESCO Global Geopark in Crete. The specimen, dating back between 8 and 8.5 million years, has been identified as Dihoplus pikermiensis. This two-horned species inhabited western Eurasia during the late Miocene epoch. The find includes three intact molars, which may provide further insights into the animal's diet and age.