All about dinosaurs, fossils and prehistoric animals by Everything Dinosaur team members.

News stories and articles that do not necessarily feature extinct animals.

29 07, 2024

New Research Indicates Size Does Not Matter for Mammals with Complex Brains

By |2024-07-27T11:53:30+01:00July 29th, 2024|Animal News Stories|0 Comments

Size doesn’t matter for mammals with more complex brains, according to new research led by the University of Bath.  Mammals that have developed more sophisticated brains tend to have a smaller size difference between males and females of that species.  The research paper has been published in the academic journal “Nature Communications”.  The study can provide new insights into mammal evolution and the role of sexual selection.

In many mammal species, the males can be bigger than the females.  In some species, the females can be bigger on average than the males. This is a trait called sexual size dimorphism (SSD). For instance, male southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina), are around three times larger than females. African elephants (Loxodonta) show SSD.  Males can weigh several thousand kilograms more than mature females.

An African elephant model.

A male African elephant (Loxodonta).  Male elephants tend to be much larger than the females.

In contrast, dolphins have no difference in sizes between the sexes. Humans are somewhere in between, with the average male being larger than the average female, but across the population there is an overlap.

Analysing the Genomes of 124 Species of Extant Mammal

The study involved researchers from the Universities of Bath and Sheffield, along with Cardiff University and UNAM (Mexico).  The team examined the genomes of 124 extant species of mammals. The genes were grouped into families of similar attributes and functions.  The size of these gene families was then calculated.  The researchers discovered that those species with a big difference in size between the sexes had bigger gene families linked to olfactory functions (sense of smell) and smaller gene families associated with brain development.

Therefore, this could also mean that those species with very little difference in sizes between males and females (termed monomorphic) had larger gene families associated with brain development. The authors suggest that in species with a large SSD, traits such as the sense of smell could be important for identifying mates and territories. In contrast, mammals with a smaller SSD are potentially investing in their brain development and tend to have more complex social structures. This means they compete for mates using other means than simply using size to select who to mate with.

Corresponding author for the research, Dr Benjamin Padilla-Morales (University of Bath), commented:

We were surprised to see such a strong statistical link between a large SSD and expanded gene families for olfactory function. Even more interestingly, the gene families under contraction were linked with brain development. This could mean that those species with a small SSD have bigger gene families associated with brain function and tend to show more complex behaviours such as biparental care and monogamous breeding systems.”

Size is Important in Some Mammal Species

The research team concluded that whilst body size in some mammal species is significant, for others it does not matter so much.  If size plays a role in sexual selection, then it leads on to considering how traits like SSD are shaping mammalian evolution.  Is SSD in some species influencing brain and genome development?

This new research helps to illustrate the complex interplay between sexual dimorphism, gene family size evolution, and their roles in mammalian brain development and function. It provides a valuable perspective in understanding mammalian genome evolution.

The research team hope to develop this line of enquiry further.  They want to investigate how testes size impacts the evolution of the mammalian genome.

Being small insectivores with fewer skull bones led to mammalian evolutionary success: Reduction in Skull Bones Led to Success for the Mammals.

The Implications for Mammalian Evolution

This research highlights the importance of considering the multifaceted nature of sexual selection and its diverse effects on different aspects of mammalian evolution and biology. The finding that body size plays a role in sexual selection for some species but not others suggests that the evolutionary pressures shaping sexual dimorphism can vary considerably across the mammalian lineage.

Understanding these nuanced relationships is crucial for piecing together the complex tapestry of mammalian evolution. Perhaps, a study of the fossilised remains of a particular group of mammals with descendants still living today could shed new light on when these relationships established. Could the Proboscidea Order (elephants and their relatives) provide a starting for this research? By examining the fossil records of such groups, scientists could gain a better understanding into the evolutionary processes that have given rise to the incredible adaptations found in the Mammalia.

Konobelodon atticus scale drawing.

A scale drawing of the Late Miocene prehistoric elephant Konobelodon atticus.  Could a study of ancient elephants provide a fresh perspective on the evolution of sexual size dimorphism (SSD).  Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Everything Dinosaur acknowledges the assistance of a media release from the University of Bath in the compilation of this article.

The scientific paper: “Sexual size dimorphism in mammals is associated with changes in the size of gene families related to brain development” by Benjamin Padilla-Morales, Alin P. Acuña-Alonzo, Huseyin Kilili, Atahualpa Castillo-Morales, Karina Díaz-Barba, Kathryn H. Maher, Laurie Fabian, Evangelos Mourkas, Tamás Székely, Martin-Alejandro Serrano-Meneses, Diego Cortez, Sergio Ancona and Araxi O. Urrutia published in the journal Nature Communications.

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Prehistoric Animal Models and Toys.

8 06, 2024

Froglets Spotted in the Office Pond!

By |2024-06-09T12:06:54+01:00June 8th, 2024|Animal News Stories, Photos|0 Comments

Froglets spotted in the office pond!  Team members at Everything Dinosaur recorded several froglets around the margins of the small office pond.  The pond was built several years ago to help support local wildlife.  Frogs (Rana temporaria), have spawned in the pond since 2008.  Each year, we record the date of the laying of the first frogspawn.  In 2023, we recorded frogspawn in February (February 28th), for the first time.  This year, (2024) the first frogspawn was laid even earlier on February 18th.  Is this a sign of local climate change?

Froglets spotted in the office pond.

A pair of froglets spotted in the office pond. We have added red arrows to help you spot the tiny amphibians.  Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To read about the discovery of frogspawn on February 18th 2024: Frogspawn Spotted in our Office Pond!

Froglets Spotted and Plans in Place to Protect Them

We have tried to leave the pond alone over the last two months or so.  It does need a tidy up, but we have let nature take its course.  Plans are in place to develop lots of insect friendly habitats around the pond.  This will help local wildlife and hopefully provide plenty of food for the frogs and other creatures.  We hope to encourage more wildlife into the area.  Team members have plans to plant more bee-friendly flowers and to develop a small rockery that will provide plenty of cover for small animals.

Froglets spotted in office pond.

A tiny froglet in the office pond. It was spotted today along with several others. A red arrow has been added to the photograph to indicate the location of the froglet.  This year (2024) we recorded the first frogspawn on February 18th. This is the earliest time in the year that we have recorded frogspawn in the office pond. Now in the second week of June we have froglets emerging. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented that the pond had proven to be a haven for local wildlife.

He added:

“We have spotted damselflies, hoverflies and lots of honey bees.  The bees come down to the edge of the pond to get a drink.  We want to plant more flowers to help bees and other insects.  In addition, we have added stone-filled gabion baskets to provide extra habitats for insects and other small animals.”

The spokesperson also explained that they had used local stone to create a small rockery to help animals move easily from one part of the site to the office pond.

The Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys.

3 03, 2024

Thirteen Batches of Frogspawn in the Office Pond

By |2024-03-02T21:35:49+00:00March 3rd, 2024|Adobe CS5, Animal News Stories, Educational Activities, Main Page, Photos|0 Comments

Common frogs (Rana temporaria) began breeding in the office pond very early this year. The first batch of frogspawn was observed on the morning of Saturday, the 18th of February. Frog activity had been observed in the pond a few days earlier. The spawning season has stared early, perhaps because of the mild, wet weather. February the 18th is the earliest date in the year that we have recorded frogspawn. Last year (2023), the first frogspawn was recorded on the 28th of February. This was the first time that we had recorded frogs spawning in February.

We estimate that by this weekend, a total of thirteen batches of frogspawn had been laid. The number of frogs seen in the pond has rarely exceeded four or five. However, other frogs must be visiting the pond and breeding during the night or in the early morning.

Frogspawn in the office pond recorded on the 2nd March (2024).
A large amount of frogspawn observed in the office pond on the morning of the 2nd of March (2024). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

A Record Amount of Frogspawn

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“Although we cannot be certain, there could be a record amount of frogspawn in the office pond. We think there are thirteen batches in total. All the eggs were laid in a shallow part of the pond.”

Hopefully, the sudden cold snap with overnight frosts will not have harmed the eggs. We are looking forward to watching the tadpoles hatch.

Visit the Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

18 02, 2024

Frogspawn Discovered in the Office Pond

By |2024-02-18T21:22:20+00:00February 18th, 2024|Animal News Stories, Educational Activities, Main Page, Photos|0 Comments

We have frogspawn in the office pond. Today, a clump of frogspawn was observed in a shallow area of the office pond. Frogs had been spotted in the pond a few days ago, it seems that the spawning season has started. This is the earliest date in the year that we have recorded frogspawn. Last year (2023), the first frogspawn was recorded on the 28th of February. This was the first time that the frogs have spawned in February. This year, the frogs have begun spawning even earlier.

Frogspawn in the office pond.
Frogspawn in the office pond. Today, 18th February a batch of frogspawn was observed in the office pond. This is the earliest recorded spawning. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Common Frogs (Rana temporaria)

The spawn was produced by Common frogs (Rana temporaria). Observations by team members suggest that there were four frogs in the pond. The pond has been created to attract wildlife and frogs have laid their eggs in the pond each spring since 2008. For many years the frogs spawned around the third week of March. However, there is a distinct trend for recording spawning much earlier in the year.

Could this be a consequence of global warming and climate change?

It has certainly been very mild over the last week or two. Temperatures of 13-14 degrees Celsius have been recorded in the northwest of England. The average temperature for February in the Manchester area of England would normally be expected to be around 4-7 degrees Celsius.

A close-up view of the frogspawn (18th February, 2024).
A close-up view of the frogspawn laid early in the morning of 18th February. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Frogspawn Laid in a Shallow Part of the Pond

The frogs have laid their eggs in a shallow part of the pond. Eggs are not normally laid in this part of the office pond. Folklore suggests that if frogs lay in the shallows, then the next few weeks will be mild but wet. We will continue to observe the pond to see if more frogs arrive and more spawn is produced.

The Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

16 02, 2024

Lungfish and the Remarkable History of Fossil Holes

By |2024-02-16T12:32:09+00:00February 16th, 2024|Adobe CS5, Animal News Stories, Main Page|0 Comments

Yesterday, Everything Dinosaur team members posted up an article that provided information on the evolutionary history of burrowing vertebrates. The first vertebrates to dig burrows were probably lungfish. These animals were similar to extant lungfish, animals such as Neoceratodus forsteri, the Australian lungfish. This taxon is also referred to as the Queensland lungfish.

Ironically, it is thought that this species of lungfish does not enter a dormant state (aestivation), by producing a mucous cocoon and burying itself in mud. Neoceratodus forsteri inhabits slow-moving rivers and reservoirs, primarily in south-eastern Queensland. In contrast, the African genus Protopterus does dig burrows. Protopterus is distantly related to the Australian lungfish. During the dry season when lakes tend to dry up, this fish excavates a burrow and buries itself in the mud. It enters a state of dormancy (aestivation), enabling it to survive whilst it waits for the water to return. During aestivation Protopterus is able to reduce its metabolism to 1/60th of its active state.

The Australian lungfish (Neoceratodus forsteri).
A stuffed specimen of an Australian lungfish (Neoceratodus forsteri) on display at the London Natural History Museum. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

A team of researchers, including scientists from the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin examined the origins and early evolution of vertebrate burrowing behaviour. Their paper was published in Earth-Science Reviews.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s article about this new research: Digging into the History of Burrowing Vertebrates.

The Scientific Paper

The scientific paper comprises a short overview of convergent morphological and behavioural adaptations seen in modern fossorial taxa. The researchers also document the diversity of extant vertebrate burrows. In addition, the team reviews the fossil record of inferred vertebrate burrows and fossorial vertebrates from the Devonian to the Triassic. Results highlight a probable Devonian earliest occurrence of fossoriality in continental vertebrates (Dipnoi – lungfishes).

The earliest lungfish taxa were mostly marine animals. However, after the Carboniferous, lung fish fossils are confined to deposits laid down in freshwater environments.

The Australian lungfish specimen at the London Natural History Museum is displayed next to a model of a Protopterus burrow. This can confuse visitors, it was stated earlier in this article that not all lungfish exhibit this burrowing behaviour.

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

12 02, 2024

The CollectA Horseshoe Crab Model is Reviewed

By |2024-02-24T17:06:48+00:00February 12th, 2024|Adobe CS5, Animal News Stories, Educational Activities, Everything Dinosaur Products, Main Page, Photos of Everything Dinosaur Products|0 Comments

In 2020, CollectA introduced a Horseshoe crab model. These animals are members of the Limulidae family. This model of an ancient invertebrate is extremely detailed. The Horseshoe crab lineage has a fossil record that dates back to the Ordovician. Team members were asked to take some photographs of the figure for a palaeontology related project.

CollectA Horseshoe crab model in lateral view.
CollectA Horseshoe crab in lateral view. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The CollectA Horseshoe Crab Model

The model is very detailed, and the paint scheme makes this replica look extremely realistic. However, it is on the underside where the care and dedication of the design team really shows.

CollectA Horseshoe crab model in ventral view
The CollectA Horseshoe crab model in ventral view (view of the underside). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view the not-to-scale CollectA range of models available from Everything Dinosaur: CollectA Prehistoric Life Models.

The small chelicerae (modified claws) are bent towards the mouth. These appendages pass food into the mouth. The walking legs show the bifurcated end segments, and the rear “pusher” leg is clearly visible. The design team have included a vent at the base of the long, pointed telson.

Atlantic Horseshoe crab in ventral view.
An Atlantic Horseshoe crab in ventral view (view of the underside). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The picture (above) shows an Atlantic Horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) in ventral view. It is on display at the London Natural History Museum.

CollectA Horseshoe Crab model.
CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Popular Size Horseshoe crab figure. The model measures 15 centimetres in length and the width of the carapace is 7.7 cm approximately.

In horseshoe crabs, the head and thorax are fused. This structure is called the prosoma. It is also sometimes referred to as the cephalothorax. The cephalothorax is covered in a hard, protective carapace.

Visit the Everything Dinosaur website: Take a Look at the Everything Dinosaur Website.

29 01, 2024

A Spectacular Nile Crocodile Skeleton on Display

By |2024-02-18T17:29:52+00:00January 29th, 2024|Adobe CS5, Animal News Stories, Main Page, Photos|0 Comments

Team members at Everything Dinosaur photographed a spectacular Nile crocodile skeleton. The skeleton is on display at the London Natural History Museum. Recently, Everything Dinosaur wrote a short blog post about the reptile exhibit at the Museum.

Nile crocodile skeleton on display.
The skeleton of a Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) on display at the London Natural History Museum. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To read Everything Dinosaur’s earlier crocodilian post: A Fascinating Nile Crocodile Exhibit.

The Nile Crocodile Skeleton

As male Nile crocodiles tend to be much bigger than the females, we suspect the skeleton represents a male. The Nile crocodile skeleton could have come from a crocodile farm. Perhaps the skeleton came from a zoo. It is part of an exhibit that looks at extant reptiles. The exhibit also includes a large, stuffed Nile crocodile specimen.

Nile crocodile specimen.
A stuffed Nile crocodile on display. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur stated:

“This large exhibit permits visitors to get a really good look at the skeleton of a large crocodile. The exhibit includes examples of crocodile stomach contents. The skeleton is impressive, although this reptile is dwarfed by the specimens in the Dinosaurs Gallery.”

The Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

25 01, 2024

Fascinating Nile Crocodile Specimen on Display

By |2024-02-16T10:23:43+00:00January 25th, 2024|Adobe CS5, Animal News Stories, Main Page, Photos, Photos of Everything Dinosaur Products|0 Comments

Team members at Everything Dinosaur photographed a stunning Nile crocodile specimen on display at the London Natural History Museum. The Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) is the largest freshwater predator in Africa. Males can grow up to six metres in length and weigh more than a tonne. As such, the Nile crocodile can be considered as the second-biggest extant reptile. Only the Estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is larger.

Nile crocodile on Display
The head of a stuffed crocodile specimen (Nile crocodile) on display at the London Natural History Museum. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The stuffed crocodile specimen measures more than three metres in length. It is part of an exhibit that highlights the diversity of vertebrates found on Earth today. It is exhibited alongside a Crocodylus niloticus skeleton.

The Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus)

Phylogenetic analysis has revealed that this African crocodile is more closely related to American crocodiles such as the Orinoco crocodile and the Cuban crocodile than it is to other African crocodile species. Several subspecies of Crocodylus niloticus have been proposed.

crocodile model.
A model of a crocodile with an articulated lower jaw. The model is based on the African crocodile species Crocodylus niloticus.

The picture (above) features the Mojo Fun crocodile figure. This detailed model has an articulated jaw.

To view the range of Mojo Fun figures available from Everything Dinosaur: Mojo Fun Models.

A Man-eater

These crocodiles are estimated to kill many hundreds of people each year. The total number of attacks on humans is unknown as many attacks are unreported. Nile crocodiles tend to be much more aggressive than many other crocodilians. However, these crocodiles live in close proximity to human populations throughout most of their range. As contact is more frequent, this may explain why the number of Nile crocodile attacks remains disproportionately high. Most attacks on humans are made by crocodiles that exceed three metres in length. However, smaller crocodiles, animals less than two metres in length are capable of overpowering children.

A number of programmes are in place to help reduce the threat of crocodile attacks, by providing alternative access to water through the construction of wells and safe water gathering places. It is hoped that educating local fishermen about crocodile behaviour can reduce the risk of attack.

Commenting on the museum crocodile exhibit a spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur stated:

“The exhibit looks at the evolutionary history of vertebrates. The reptile section is particularly interesting with many stuffed specimens on display.”

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

23 11, 2023

New Rebor GNG Alligator Models in Stock

By |2023-11-23T14:16:12+00:00November 23rd, 2023|Adobe CS5, Animal News Stories, Everything Dinosaur News and Updates, Everything Dinosaur Products, Main Page, Photos of Everything Dinosaur Products, Press Releases|0 Comments

The new Rebor GNG alligator models are in stock at Everything Dinosaur. Both figures are available, the “Downpour” and the “Basking” colour schemes. The pair of alligator figures are the latest editions to the Rebor GrabNGo range.

The Rebor GNG07 Alligator in the downpour colour scheme.
Each Rebor GNG figure measures 62 cm long. The figures are approximately 10.5 cm high and around 10 cm wide across the back.

Rebor GNG Alligator Models

Both figures are the same sculpt, just the colouration depicted by the subtle painting schemes is different. Each figure is supplied in two parts. Some assembly is required, the tail has to be fitted into the body. When assembled the alligator figure measures approximately 62 cm long. The highest point of the back is around 10.5 cm off the ground. Across the torso, the impressive alligator model is about 10 cm wide.

The Rebor GNG08 Alligator in the basking colour scheme.
The new Rebor GrabNGo alligators require some assembly. The tail and body sections have to be heated to permit insertion. The stiff plastic of the models does represent a challenge, we recommend an adult takes responsibility for inserting the tail. The model in the photograph is the “Basking” colour variant. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

When inserting or removing the tail, we recommend an adult takes responsibility for this.

To view the range of Rebor models and figures in stock at Everything Dinosaur: Rebor Figures and Models.

The Rebor GNG08 Alligator assembly/disassembly instructions.
The Rebor GrabNGo alligator fossils come with assembly and disassembly instructions. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Rebor Models and Figures

Rebor has extended its range to include extant reptiles as well as prehistoric animals. The two alligator figures join the recently introduced “Lonesome George” giant tortoise.

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“The two new alligator models are extremely detailed. It is recommended that the tail piece is gently heated before inserting it into the body piece. Hot water can be used to heat up the joints. However, we urge caution as the figure is hollow and if hot water is used, it would be necessary to drain any excess water before attempting to secure the tail.”

The Rebor GNG07 alligator figure in the Downpour colouration.
The Rebor GNG07 alligator figure in the Downpour colouration.

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

15 10, 2023

Boom in Mammoth Tusk Sales Threatens Living Elephants

By |2023-10-22T12:43:36+01:00October 15th, 2023|Adobe CS5, Animal News Stories, Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal News Stories, Main Page, Palaeontological articles, Photos/Pictures of Fossils, Teaching|0 Comments

The boom in the trade for mammoth tusks threatens extant elephant populations and their habitats. This is the conclusion of newly published research from the University of Portsmouth.

Conservationists and campaigners fear an increase in the buying and selling of mammoth tusks poses a direct threat to elephants. The trade in “ice ivory” was banned in the UK in 2018. The ban was imposed following a Portsmouth University led investigation into the British antiques trade of the material.

Boom in sale of mammoth tusks threatens extant elephants.
Humans encounter a Woolly Mammoth. A boom in “ice ivory” trade of mammoth tusks presents a threat to elephants and the environment. Picture credit: Mark Witton.

The Trade in Mammoth Tusks

Earlier this year (2023), it was announced the Ivory Act would be extended to protect five more endangered CITES-listed species, including the hippopotamus, narwhal, walrus, orca and sperm whale. However, new research highlights the unregulated sale of mammoth tusks needs to be addressed. The species fall outside of the regulation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This is an international, multi-government agreement set up to ensure the survival of animals and plant species.

The authors argue that while woolly mammoths became extinct thousands of years ago, their lives and ultimate demise has much to teach us about how we conserve and protect existing elephant populations.

Large elephants on display. (Mastodons and Mammoths).
Prehistoric elephants on display at the Senckenberg Museum (Frankfurt). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

What About Other Prehistoric Elephant Genera?

Everything Dinosaur notes, that many species of extinct elephant had large tusks. Whilst the tusks eroding out of melting Siberian permafrost might usually be associated with the Woolly Mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius), tusks from other extinct species might be traded too. For example, tusks from the American Mastodon (Mammut americanum) or the Columbian mammoth (Mammuthus columbi) found in North America might also be bought and sold.

Wild Safari Prehistoric World Mastodon model.
The Wild Safari Prehistoric World Mastodon model. The trade in the ivory of other prehistoric elephants would also need to be controlled.

The picture (above) shows a model of the American Mastodon by Safari Ltd.

To view this range of prehistoric animal models and figures: Safari Ltd. Wild Safari Prehistoric World Models.

Prehistoric Elephant Tusks Labelled as Ivory from Extant Species

Lead author in the recently published paper, Dr Caroline Cox (University of Portsmouth) commented:

“There’s evidence traders are trying to sustain the illegal ivory market with mammoth tusks, by intentionally mislabelling ice ivory as elephant ivory. Modern elephants and woolly mammoths share a common ancestor, so their tusks have close similarities. Instead of profiting from these new discoveries, we should be learning from them – how mammoths lived and how they died – to help protect their endangered relatives.”

It is estimated the illegal wildlife trade to be collectively worth between $15-22.5 billion USD a year. This puts the trade on a par with the illegal arms trade, the illegal drugs trade and the trade in human trafficking.

Schreger Lines in Elephant Ivory

Co-author of the study, Luke Hauser (University of Portsmouth) explained:

“Structurally, mammoth ivory is fundamentally identical to elephant ivory. Both have Schreger lines, which are distinct characteristics of the species.”

The majority of the ivory coming out of Siberia is woolly mammoth, but because evolution is a slow process there would have been crossovers between their characteristics and their predecessors. In theory, a trader could have a document claiming a tusk is from a Steppe Mammoth (M. trogontherii) when in fact it is actually a Woolly Mammoth (M. primigenius). Conservationists could not argue otherwise without an expensive and lengthy DNA test.

It is more than a decade since eBay announced its own complete, worldwide ban on ivory sales. An on-line post stated that the global ban would “protect buyers and sellers, as well as animals in danger of extinction”. Unfortunately, recent studies have shown that sellers of illegal wildlife products operate on the dark web, rather than more openly through on-line social media and auction platforms.

The Trade in Mammoth Tusks Damages the Fossil Record

Dr Cox explained:

“While mammoth tusks continue to be in demand, particularly in the Far East, the Siberian tusk hunters of Yakutia recover only what the buyers want – the ivory. The remains of the mammoth are left behind and lost to science.”

The mining of mammoth tusks is dangerous. It is often illegal, and it damages the environment. The law of the Russian Federation states that only mammoth tusks that have come to the surface, usually as a result of the permafrost melting, can be harvested. However, this is extremely difficult to enforce. Miners can speed up the erosion process by using high pressure hoses to blast the permafrost. The industrial mining of the permafrost also releases huge amounts of greenhouse gases such as methane. This is leading to accelerated global warming.

The paper, published in the “Journal of International Wildlife Law and Policy”, states that the best and most effective way of tackling issues surrounding the “ice ivory” trade is international cooperation from nations sharing resources and intelligence.

Everything Dinosaur acknowledges the assistance of a media release from the University of Portsmouth in the compilation of this article.

The scientific paper: “Ice Ivory to White Gold: Links Between the Illegal Ivory Trade and the Trade in Geocultural Artifacts” by Caroline Cox and Luke Hauser published in the Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy.

Visit the website of Everything Dinosaur: Everything Dinosaur.

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