The original Woolly Rhino "Coelodonta antiquitatis" is an extinct species of rhinoceros that is thought to have originated in Tibet, and then migrated into Northern Asia & Europe when the Ice Age began. Remains of the earliest know Woolly Rhino were discovered in the Himalayan Mountains of Tibet, dating back 3.6 million years ago. Woolly Rhinos averaged over 4 meters long, 2-3 tons in weight and stood up to 2 meters tall! Their front horns could grow up to 2 feet in length and were used to attract mates and to defend itself. As their name indicates, Woolly Rhinos were covered with a thick layer of fur. This in combination with their stocky build and thick shorter legs helped enable them to adapt to climatic changes. But, of course they needed to migrate as needed when climatic changes became too extreme. It's now thought these hugh beasts died out due to a combination of being overly hunted by human and Neanderthals, climatic changes and disease.
This Woolly Rhino jaw section with its original teeth intact is quite rare. When they do come on the market many of the specimens we've seen are in very poor shape. This specimen is in excellent condition. The jaw section is solid and the teeth are in very nice condition as well with beautiful enamel retention.
This would be an excellent specimen for any collector, particularly someone interested in mammals from this time period.
~ 8"long x 4" wide x 3" thick
Miocene period: 25 mya
China
