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Not positive with this ID but it is a predator type animal most likely a dog (although only a small one), may be too old to be a fox, a fossil remain extracted from underground caves in the Nullabor region of South Australia more than 50 years ago. If there are any fossil experts out there who could help with this specimen I'd be happy to hear from them. Size: 14cm (140mm) under 5inches from tip of nose to back of skull. Teeth are well developed
Underground cave system, dry desert region, no water in caves.
This skull was discovered by cave researchers in early 1950s hence the date of sighting as 1952. My first sighting of it was in 2013.
Spotted on May 5, 1952
Submitted on May 5, 2014
4 Comments
That is such an interesting spotting. I think it's a fox skull. Overall shape and size look very familiar, but I can't be certain without a closer look at the teeth. Regardless, this is very cool. Could be a domestic dog as well, but I think too small to be a dingo unless a juvenile. I'm not familiar with dingos at all.
The colouring looks dingo-like, but I know mummification can alter this. The occipital and interparietal bones may be helpful to examine.
Red fox comparison:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/ori...
Dingo comparisons:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication...
Yes, sorry, mummified is the better terminology...I automatically refer to old items as fossils (old friends are used to it). Inclusion in collection subject to ID.
Looks like it is more mummified than fossilized. Is it in a museum now?