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Researchers at the Florida Museum of Natural History have made a significant discovery at Montbrook Fossil Dig in North Florida, unearthing several complete gomphothere skeletons dating back over five million years. These extinct relatives of elephants likely perished near an ancient river, with their remains deposited together over time alongside other animals. The find includes an adult and at least seven juvenile skeletons, with the adult estimated to be eight feet tall at the shoulders. Jonathan Bloch, curator of vertebrate paleontology, described it as the most complete gomphothere skeleton found in Florida, and among the best in North America.
Excavation began in 2015 after the discovery of fossils on private property, revealing a rich layer of diverse fossils including camels and alligators. Unlike typical finds that consist of isolated bones, the recent discovery of multiple complete skeletons provides unique insights into gomphothere evolution. These ancient animals, characterized by diverse tusk shapes, thrived in savannahs but eventually faced decline due to climate changes and competition from newer proboscideans like mammoths. This groundbreaking find provides an opportunity for further research into the anatomy and biology of the gomphotheres, particularly the species Rhynchotherium. The skeletons will eventually be displayed at the museum, partnering with the existing exhibit of mammoths and mastodons.
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