Russian archeologists have unearthed a Chilotherium rhinoceros skeleton in vicinities of Armavir in the Krasnodar Territory, the PaleoNews reports.

      This place is located at the crossroads of ancient migration flows from Asia, Europe and even Africa.

      The bones of the chilotherium have stood the test of time quite well, though they need long preparation and restoration. In summer the scientists already got its skull with the bottom jaw and several bones of extremities from under sedimentary strata, but had to leave other skeleton fragments under the ground till the next field season. Most likely, the place is harbouring remains of at least three individual rhinoceroses, not only one, the scientist Vadim Titov assumes.

      As the researcher specifies, the remains of rhinoceros lay in ancient slope deposits together with bones of other Hipparion fauna species. Altogether they found 23 species of large and small vertebrata, including two types of hipparion (extinct tridactyl horses), various antelopes, and others in that location.

      “The chiloteriums are considered to be “marsh” rhinoceroses, – the scientist pointed out, – they generally lived in lowlands, near water and were adapted for low-abrasive food. Unlike modern rhinoceroses, who are mostly singles, they probably lived in small groups”.

      After completely unearthing the bones and the subsequently restoring them the skeleton is planned to be exhibited in the Azov memorial estate.