DNA fragments of a previously unknown species of yak that lived in southern Siberia during the Ice Age have been discovered in Denisova Cave in the Altai region.
Results of the scientific study were published in the peer-reviewed journal Current Biology. Researchers initially examined the physical remains of the ancient animal but were unable to determine its exact species. Advanced DNA analysis later showed that while its genome shares structural similarities with modern yaks, it possesses a distinct genetic profile.
According to evolutionary genomics experts from Stockholm University, the discovery demonstrates that the Altai region was a major centre of biodiversity during the glacial epoch. Excavation teams uncovered the remains of more than 20 of these prehistoric animals at the site, which researchers have named yak X after fully decoding their complete genomes.
Ancient fauna of the Altai Mountains
Denisova Cave is a world-famous archaeological and palaeontological site located in the Bashelaksky Range of the Altai Mountains in southern Siberia. The cavern is renowned for its exceptional preservation of ancient biological material, including fossils and genetic evidence from prehistoric animals and early hominins buried deep within cold cave sediments.
The Altai region forms a mountainous geographic zone spanning central Asia where Russia, Kazakhstan, China, and Mongolia meet. Modern yaks are large, heavily furred bovids native to high-altitude steppes and plateaus. The identification of a unique prehistoric yak lineage highlights the diverse range of megafauna that once roamed the Siberian landscape during past ice ages.
Genetic research and scientific background
Stockholm University is a major public research institution based in Sweden with dedicated facilities for ancient DNA analysis and paleogenomics research. Scientists at the university regularly analyze genetic sequences recovered from ancient animal remains to trace evolutionary relationships and species divergence over time.
Following the complete decoding of the yak X genomes, researchers plan to conduct further comparative genetic studies to determine how this previously unknown species adapted to prehistoric climate shifts and how it relates to other ancient bovid species across northern Eurasia.
