Professor Suresh Chopane, a geologist based in Chandrapur, Maharashtra, India discovered rare fossils of the extinct Stegodon ganesha species. This marks the first time fossils of this species have been found in Maharashtra. Samples of these fossils were sent both nationally and internationally for verification, and paleontologists around the world validated the discovery, according to Aaj Tak.
The fossils were unearthed in the riverbeds at the confluence of the Wardha and Painganga rivers in Chandrapur district. Estimated to be between 25,000 and 12,000 years old, these fossils belong to the late Pleistocene epoch. Stegodon ganesha is believed to be an ancestor of today's Asian elephants.
"These fossils provide invaluable insight into the fauna of the Pleistocene period in this region," Professor Chopane said. Alongside the fossils, Paleolithic tools were also found at the site, indicating that early humans may have coexisted with these giant elephants and perhaps hunted them. "The finding of fossils and tools together indicates hunting activity," he explained.
The discovered remains include elephant thigh bones, teeth, skulls, and chest bones. These artifacts are preserved in the Suresh Chopane Rock Museum, established by Professor Chopane. "This museum is open for students and researchers of geology, geography, biology, and environmental sciences," he stated.
The Stegodon elephants are believed to have become extinct around 23,000 to 26,000 years ago, possibly due to overhunting. "Overhunting may have also led to the extinction of these species," Professor Chopane noted. At the same location, fossils of another extinct elephant-like species, Elephas namadicus, were also found, which was confirmed by the discovery of its remains.
Retired Professor Avinash Nanda from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology and numerous foreign researchers expressed the opinion that these fossils are of the extinct Stegodon elephants, based on the characteristics of the elephant's teeth. "Many fossils may have been washed away due to floods in the river over the years, but many are still buried in the soil," Dr. Nanda remarked.
From 2019 to 2024, Professor Chopane has been engaged in fossil exploration in the area, specifically searching for fossils in Pleistocene sediments. He began his quest in Vidarbha in 2019 and found the first fossil during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020-21. "During the entire COVID-19 period, while surveying the Wardha River in Chandrapur taluka, fossils of giant Elephas namadicus-like elephants were found," he said.
Between 2021 and 2022, further fossils were discovered in the riverbed of the Wardha River in Warora taluka. The presence of Stone Age tools like hand axes at the fossil site supports the theory of human interaction with these ancient creatures. "This shows that there was a relationship between humans of that time and the giant animals," Professor Chopane remarked.
Over the past two to three decades, fossil evidence has been destroyed due to river floods. At the end of the Ice Age, many species became extinct due to heavy floods. However, some areas still contain fossils of ancient creatures buried underground, which can be uncovered through detailed excavation. "Evidence of many living things is found in the sediment (alluvium) of the flood," Professor Chopane added.
His research on the Wardha River is expected to be completed in 2024-2025. He believes that further excavation may yield more fossils. "This is my small contribution to the scientific and academic community," he said. Experts believe this discovery may provide new information about prehistoric humans and extinct animals, offering a new direction to fossil research in the Vidarbha region.
Previously, fossils of modern Asian elephants had been found in Sindhudurg, Pune, Solapur, and some parts of Telangana. However, this is the first time fossils of such giant animals, after dinosaurs, have been found in Vidarbha, providing insights into this historical period.
The Pleistocene epoch lasted from about 200,000 to 11,700 years ago, during which large mammals roamed India. The elephant found in Chandrapur district was approximately 15 feet in height. "This species of elephant lived in India during the Pleistocene period from 200,000 to 11,700 years ago," Professor Chopane explained.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.