Scientists have unearthed the remains of an ancient animal community dating back 75,000 years in a cave along the coast of Northern Norway. This significant discovery, which includes bones from 46 different species of mammals, fish, and birds, represents the oldest example of an animal community in the European Arctic during a warmer climate phase of the ice age. The findings are detailed in a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
This research is led by Dr. Sam Walker from Bournemouth University and the University of Oslo. He highlighted the importance of these remains in understanding how wildlife responded to past climate changes, which is crucial for contemporary conservation efforts. “These discoveries provide a rare snapshot of a vanished Arctic world,” Dr. Walker stated. “They underscore how vulnerable cold-adapted species can be under changing climate conditions.”
Among the notable species identified in the excavations are the polar bear, walrus, bowhead whale, and various birds like the Atlantic puffin and common eider. The team also found remains of collared lemmings, a species that is now extinct in Europe and had not been previously documented in Scandinavia. Genetic testing revealed that the lineages of these animals did not survive when colder conditions returned.
Insights into Past Ecosystems
According to Professor Sanne Boessenkool of the University of Oslo, the cave’s findings provide rare insights into an era with limited preserved evidence older than 10,000 years. “The cave has revealed a diverse mix of animals in a coastal ecosystem that represents both the marine and terrestrial environment,” she explained.
The Arne Qvamgrotta cave was initially discovered in the 1990s during tunnel construction for the local mining industry. It remained largely unexplored until extensive excavations were conducted in 2021 and 2022, leading to the significant findings. The variety of animal remains suggests that the climate at the time was relatively ice-free along the coast, following the melting of glaciers. This environment would have supported migratory species such as reindeer, whose remains were also found.
The presence of freshwater fish indicates that lakes and rivers existed within the tundra, while evidence of sea ice suggests that bowhead whales and walruses frequented the area. Interestingly, harbor porpoises were also identified among the remains, indicating that the sea ice was likely seasonal, as these mammals typically avoid ice-covered waters.
Implications for Modern Conservation Efforts
The research highlights the challenges faced by cold-adapted species in adapting to climate variations. “This underscores how cold-adapted species struggle to adapt to major climatic events,” Dr. Walker noted, linking these findings to current issues faced by Arctic wildlife as global temperatures rise. He emphasized that the habitats available to these species today are significantly more fragmented than those of 75,000 years ago, complicating their ability to migrate and adapt.
Professor Boessenkool pointed out that the past shift was towards colder conditions, contrasting sharply with the current warming trends. “If these species struggled to cope with colder periods in the past, it will be even harder for them to adapt to a warming climate,” she concluded.
This research represents a collaborative effort involving several institutions, including the University of Oslo, Bournemouth University, the University Museum of Bergen, and the Norwegian University of Life Sciences. The findings not only enhance our understanding of historical Arctic ecosystems but also provide valuable context for contemporary conservation strategies aimed at protecting vulnerable species in a rapidly changing environment.
