First report of Quaternary mammals from the Qalehjough area, Lut Desert, Eastern Iran

A first-of-its-kind discovery of Quaternary mammals has been made in the Qalehjough area of Iran's Lut Desert, offering critical insights into the region's prehistoric biodiversity. The study, led by researchers from Iran and Spain, identified fossilized remains of large mammals such as elephants, rhinoceroses, and equids, providing evidence of a once-rich ecosystem in this arid landscape. The team employed stratigraphic analysis and comparative morphometry to date the fossils to the Quaternary period, contributing to our understanding of environmental changes during this era. This finding underscores the Lut Desert's significance as a paleoecological hotspot and its potential as a UNESCO World Heritage Site candidate.

Hashemi, N., Ashouri, A., Aliabadian, M., M. Gharaie, M., Sánchez Marco, A., & Louys, J. (2016). First report of Quaternary mammals from the Qalehjough area, Lut Desert, Eastern Iran. Palaeontologia Electronica. https://doi.org/10.26879/539