Elasmotherium: The Siberian Unicorn
Elasmotherium, an extinct genus of giant rhinoceroses, roamed the grasslands of Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and East Asia from the Late Miocene to the Late Pleistocene, surviving until at least 39,000 years ago. Known for its massive size—comparable to an elephant—it measured up to 4.5 meters (15 feet) in length and weighed around 4.5 tons (9,900 lbs).
Often called the Siberian Unicorn, Elasmotherium is thought to have sported a single, enormous horn on its forehead, although no horn fossils have been discovered. This herbivorous giant had long legs adapted for galloping and ever-growing molars suited for grazing on tough vegetation.
Its extinction coincided with the Pleistocene megafaunal extinction, likely due to climate change and habitat shifts. Elasmotherium remains one of the most iconic prehistoric creatures, blending the mystique of legend with the reality of Earth's ancient megafauna.
