Scientists have uncovered mummified remains of cheetahs in caves located in northern Saudi Arabia. The remains vary in age, dating from 130 years old to over 1,800 years old.
Researchers excavated seven mummies along with the bones of 54 other cheetahs from a site near the city of Arar. Mummification prevents decay by preserving dead bodies and can occur naturally in environments such as desert sands.
The newly discovered mummified large cats exhibit features like cloudy eyes and shriveled limbs. The exact method of mummification for these cats is uncertain, but the caves' dry conditions and stable temperature are believed to have contributed, according to a study published in Communications Earth and Environment.
The reason for the concentration of cheetahs in the caves is also unknown; it is hypothesized that the caves may have served as a denning site for mothers and their young. The preservation of large mammals to this extent is rare, as carcasses must avoid scavengers and be in the right environment.
Historically, cheetahs inhabited most of Africa and parts of Asia, but their current range is significantly smaller, and they have not been observed on the Arabian Peninsula for decades. This decline is attributed to factors like habitat loss, unregulated hunting, and insufficient prey.
For the first time with naturally mummified large cats, scientists were able to analyze the cheetahs' genes. The genetic data indicated a close resemblance to modern-day cheetahs from Asia and northwest Africa. This information is considered valuable for future conservation efforts aimed at reintroducing cheetahs to areas where they no longer exist.