The Northernmost Discovery of Merck’s Rhinoceros Stephanorhinus kirchbergensis (Jäger, 1839) in Europe (Vazhgort, Komi Republic, Russia)

Remains of Merck’s rhinoceros are found for the first time in the North of European Russia, represented by two relatively well-preserved mandible rami. This ex situ discovery was made near the village of Vazhgort on the right bank of the Kula River, a tributary of the Vashka River in the Mezen River basin. Radiocarbon AMS dating showed an age of the bone that is beyond the limit for the method. The unusually low value of the nitrogen isotope in the bone collagen is probably explained by the environmental conditions in the region. Data on the age and distribution of Quaternary deposits in the area where the rhinoceros was found suggest that the species inhabited the region during the Rodionovo (Gorka, MIS 7) interglacial period. The mandible belonged to a relatively large animal, assumed to be a male 30–35 years old. Defects in the teeth were found on the right ramus of the mandible, probably indicating extensive injuries received before death. This discovery represents the northernmost occurrence of the species in Europe (64° N), thereby significantly expanding its range to the north of the continent.