The Gomphothere, an extinct species of elephant related to modern elephants, may have roamed southern Chile thousands of years ago and was a target for hunting by indigenous residents.
Gomphothere – an extinct species that may have roamed southern Chile thousands of years ago. (Photo: fineartamerica.com)
This hypothesis has been proposed by Chilean scientists following the discovery of several remains of Gomphotheres dated to 12,000 years ago near the frigid Tagua Tagua Lake in southern Chile.
Ancient Gomphotheres could weigh up to 4 tons and stand 3 meters tall, leading scientists to believe they were targets of group hunts by indigenous peoples. Archaeologist Carlos Tornero stated that researchers lean towards this hypothesis because the large and formidable size of Gomphotheres would necessitate group hunting efforts.
According to scientists, this discovery allows for deeper research into the impact of humans on the area that is now southern Chile, as well as how changing climate conditions affected the local wildlife at that time.
Archaeologist Elisa Calas noted that this finding provides a wealth of new information, such as the impact of climate change on animal species. She also mentioned that the environmental impacts caused by humans in the past are similar to what is happening today.
