1800-Year-Old Mummified Cheetahs Found in Saudi Cave, Scientists Amazed

• Scientists discovered naturally preserved mummified cheetahs, some up to 1800 years old, in caves near Arar city, Saudi Arabia.
• The excavation yielded seven mummified cheetahs and bones of 54 others, providing rare evidence of ancient cheetah presence in the Arabian Peninsula.
• Natural mummification occurred due to the caves' extremely dry environment and stable temperature, preserving large mammals in an unprecedented way.
• Genetic analysis of these ancient cheetahs shows a close link to modern Asian and North-West African cheetahs.
• This discovery is crucial for understanding cheetah genetic history and could aid future reintroduction plans in areas where the species has vanished.

Why It Matters: Ancient mummified cheetahs in Saudi Arabia offer unprecedented insights into their history and genetics.