Giant creature of the past dwarfs African elephants in size comparison

In the vast expanse of Earth's history, the landscape has been home to a myriad of fascinating creatures. Among these, the Paraceratherium, an extinct species of rhino, holds a unique place as the largest land mammal ever known to have roamed the planet.

First discovered in 2021 in Tibet, the Paraceratherium linxiaense, a new species of this massive hornless rhino, has captivated the scientific community. Fossils dating back 26.5 million years ago, including a completely preserved skull, a mandible, and vertebrae from another individual, have provided valuable insights into this colossal creature.

The Paraceratherium is believed to have weighed around 17 tonnes, with some estimates pushing the scale up to 20 tonnes. This massive beast, with a total length of 7.4 meters (24 feet) and a shoulder height of 4.8 meters (15.7 feet), dwarfs other heavyweights of its time.

Other extinct animal species, such as the straight-tusked elephant Palaeoloxodon, Borson's mastodon, and the Asian elephant's ancestor Palaeoloxodon, are known to have been massive in their own right. Palaeoloxodon, which lived around 700,000-50,000 years ago, is estimated to have weighed up to 22 tonnes, although this is disputed. Borson's mastodon, which inhabited parts of Eurasia 5 to 2.5 million years ago, is thought to have weighed in the region of 15-16 tonnes.

However, none of these heavyweights come close to the largest animal to ever walk the Earth. That title belongs to Patagotitan mayorum, a titanosaur sauropod dinosaur that stretched 37 meters (121 feet) in length and weighed the equivalent of 10 African elephants.

In comparison, the African elephant, currently the largest living land mammal and animal in the world, typically weighs 4 to 7 tonnes and has the heaviest brain and nose of any terrestrial mammal.

The blue whale, the largest mammal and the most massive animal to ever live, measures around 30 meters (98 feet) and can weigh up to 200 tons, dwarfing even the Paraceratherium in size.

The discovery of Paraceratherium linxiaense's skull is considered rare, adding to the intrigue surrounding this enigmatic creature. As we continue to uncover more about these giants of the past, our understanding of Earth's history and the diversity of life that has existed on our planet deepens.

This article was first published in April 2024, providing a glimpse into the ongoing research and discoveries in the field of palaeontology. The story of the Paraceratherium linxiaense serves as a testament to the wonders that lie buried beneath the Earth's surface, waiting to be unearthed and shared with the world.