A Glimpse into the Past
The woolly rhinoceros (Coelodonta antiquitatis) was a defining animal of the Ice Age landscape. During the Mammoth Steppe of the Late Pleistocene, approximately 100,000 to 20,000 years ago, these impressive herbivores roamed vast regions of Europe and Asia. Their fossil remains are almost always found alongside those of woolly mammoths, indicating that they shared the same habitats.

An Extinct Ice Age Species
Sadly, the woolly rhinoceros is now extinct. However, thanks to numerous discoveries of skeletal remains and even mummified carcasses preserved in permafrost, we know a great deal about these animals. These remains provide scientists with valuable insights into their anatomy, lifestyle, and adaptations to the harsh Ice Age climate.

The Appearance of the Woolly Rhinoceros
The woolly rhinoceros was a large herbivore with a body covered in dense fur that protected it from freezing temperatures. It had a massive, muscular build, two impressive horns on its snout, and fed primarily on hard, dry grasses that were abundant on the Mammoth Steppe.

Scientific Importance of the Discoveries
The discovery of fossils and mummified carcasses in the permafrost provides invaluable information about the fauna of the Ice Age. These finds allow researchers to understand the adaptations of the woolly rhinoceros to its environment and reconstruct the complex ecosystems of the Pleistocene.