1,800-Year-Old Mummified Cheetahs Discovered in Saudi Arabian Caves

• Scientists found seven mummified cheetahs and bones of 54 others in caves near Arar, Saudi Arabia, dating back up to 1,800 years.
• The natural mummification occurred due to the caves' stable temperatures and dry air, preserving the animals' features in remarkable detail.
• Researchers are investigating why cheetahs gathered in these caves, possibly as dens or shelters for sick animals, a rare find given scavenger activity.
• The discovery offers unprecedented insight into Arabia's vanished wildlife and how large animals survived harsh desert conditions.
• Genetic material extracted from the mummies, a first for naturally mummified large cats, links them to modern Asian and Northwest African populations, aiding future conservation efforts.

Why It Matters: Ancient mummified cheetahs in Saudi Arabian caves reveal lost Arabian wildlife and offer genetic insights for conservation.