The largest rodent in the world

2003/12/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Paleontologia
• Arkeologia

A rodent of almost buffalo size has been identified. This great rodent, Phobe omys pattersoni, weighed about 700 kilograms and had a length of 3 m and a height of 1.3 m.

The researchers discovered the fossil in May 2000, 400 kilometers west of Caracas, in a currently dry area. The remains of this fossilized prehistoric being have generated a great curiosity. In fact, it seems that this area was an area with abundant vegetation and, in general, the areas covered with vegetation are not the most suitable for the conservation of the fossils.

Although the fossil was found in 2000, the researchers have not done so to date. However, they have recently found that Phobe omys pattersoni is a pioneer in the prehistory of Dinomys pakarana. The latter is the next relative of the tenant.