New Ice Age Leopard with High Body Mass Index Discovered in Germany
Researchers have described a new subspecies of extinct leopard, Panthera pardus burgtonnae, from fossil evidence found in Thuringia, Germany. The animal, which lived approximately 125,000 years ago, possessed an unusually robust, almost jaguar-like build.
Scientists have identified a previously unknown subspecies of extinct leopard, Panthera pardus burgtonnae, based on fossil remains discovered in Burgtonna, Thuringia, Germany. These fossils date back to the Eem interglacial period, approximately 125,000 years ago, and reveal a leopard with a notably massive, almost jaguar-like body structure.
The analysis, which included jaw fragments and limb bones, was conducted by paleontologists Helmut Hemmer and Ralf-Dietrich Kahlke. The findings indicate distinct differences from other known European leopard forms, such as Panthera pardus antiqua, which was more common during the subsequent Weichselian glacial period.
Key distinguishing features, particularly in the dentition, allow for clear identification of this new subspecies. The researchers have also proposed a novel body mass index, analogous to BMI in humans, to better compare the build of different extinct large cats. Based on a humerus bone, the weight of the Burgtonna leopard is estimated at 35-40 kilograms, suggesting a powerful individual, likely female.
This discovery sheds new light on the evolutionary history of large carnivores in Pleistocene Europe, suggesting that distinct leopard lineages had already emerged. The robust build of these ancient European leopards also raises questions about potential genetic exchange with contemporary jaguars. The findings underscore the importance of paleontological sites like Burgtonna for understanding Ice Age fauna.