August 12 is World Elephants Day, but did you know there was a species very much close to the elephant that existed in Oman?
Proof of that is an exhibit at Oman Across Ages Museum at Manah, almost two hours from Muscat. While the museum takes one through geological and historical journey of the nation, it also introduces us to the natural wealth.
The journey begins from 800 million years ago to the modern history of Oman.
This specific animal was primitive and its fossilised jaw bone is on display at the first gallery of the museum. The jaw bone belonged to a large primitive elephant species that lived in Oman around 35 million years ago and it been named Omanitherium dhofarensis.
As the name suggests, the fossil has been found in Dhofar from which the scientific name has been derived.
The discovery is of great importance to the Sultanate of Oman’s Natural History - Omanitgerium means Omani beast. Such elephants were among the first trunked mammals (Proboscideans) to appear on earth and were related to mammoths and mastodons. The forces that shaped the land of Oman have also produced its geological wealth and natural wealth. The exhibit is on loan from Sultan Qaboos University.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
