Scientists have discovered the remains of a giant rodent weighing about 30 kg, who lived tens of millions of years ago

An international team of paleontologists has discovered in southern Thailand the fossilized teeth of a previously unknown giant rodent that lived about 34 million years ago. The finding suggests that large rodents appeared on Earth much earlier and were distributed much more widely than previously thought. This is reported by the portal Science Daily.

The remains of an ancient animal were found in a coal mine in Krabi province. Scientists were able to find only two teeth - a root and an incisor. However, their unusually large size allowed to distinguish a new species, received the scientific name Yakamys sirindhornae.

According to the calculations of researchers, the ancient rodent could weigh about 30 kilograms. This is about twice the mass of other known rodents that lived in the same period. However, scientists warn that the estimate is approximate, because it is based on only two teeth.

The name Yakamys is derived from the Thai word “yak” meaning “giant” and the Greek word “mys” meaning “mouse” or “rat”. The species name sirindhornae is given in honor of the Thai princess Maha Chakri Sirindon, known for her support of scientific research.

The discovery changes the understanding of the evolution of giant rodents. Previously, it was believed that especially large representatives of this group appeared mainly in South America. Now the find points to the important role of Southeast Asia in their early history. Scientists hope to discover new remains to find out what the ancient giant looked like and what lifestyle it led.

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