New Rhino Species Discovered in the High Arctic

by Rosamaria Kubny

04/16/2026

**Epiatheracerium itjilik is a newly defined species from the early Miocene, dating back about 23 million years.**

The Canadian Museum of Nature has announced the identification of a previously unknown, extinct rhinoceros species from the High Arctic. The exceptionally well-preserved fossil skeleton was discovered in sediments of a former lake at the Haughton Crater on Devon Island (Nunavut, Canada) and represents the northernmost rhinoceros species documented to date.

The newly described species, Epiatheracerium itjilik, dates to the early Miocene, around 23 million years ago. The scientific findings were published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution.

Top view of the fossil of Epiatheracerium itjilik, with bones lying on a sandy substrate. About 75% of the animal’s bones were recovered, including diagnostic parts such as teeth, the lower jaw, and skull fragments. (Photo: Pierre Poirier, Canadian Museum of Nature)

“This discovery provides important new insights into the evolutionary development and biogeographic distribution of rhinoceroses,” explains lead author Danielle Fraser. “In particular, it suggests that Arctic regions played a more significant role in the evolutionary history of this group than previously assumed.”

The fossil is notable for its exceptional state of preservation; about 75% of the skeleton was recovered. Initial finds were made as early as 1986 by paleontologist Mary Dawson. Further investigations and additional discoveries took place during later expeditions led by Natalia Rybczynski, with contributions from Marisa Gilbert.

The late paleontologist Mary Dawson (right) discovered many of the fossilized remains in the mid-1980s. She and researchers such as Natalia Rybczynski (left) repeatedly returned to the site to excavate additional skeletal parts of the animal. (Photo: Martin Lipman, Canadian Museum of Nature)

Analysis of the fossil data suggests that rhinoceroses may have migrated between Europe and North America via the North Atlantic Land Bridge, and that this connection may have remained active longer than previously thought.

In addition, partially preserved proteins were successfully extracted from the tooth enamel of the fossil in 2025. These findings open up new perspectives for the study of ancient biomolecules and contribute to a deeper understanding of mammalian evolution.

The name “itjilik,” derived from Inuktitut and meaning “frosty,” refers to the species’ Arctic origin and was chosen in collaboration with an Inuit elder.

The discovery highlights the scientific importance of the Arctic as a key region for paleontological research. The fossil is currently housed in the collection of the Canadian Museum of Nature.

Rosamaria Kubny, PolarJournal