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Ancient DNA Reveals Hippos Thrived in Ice Age Europe

10/12/2025

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Summary

Story summary

New research shows common hippos survived in the Upper Rhine Graben in central Europe from 47,000 to 31,000 years ago.
The findings challenge the long-held view that hippos vanished around 115,000 years ago.
An international team led by the University of Potsdam conducted the study and used ancient DNA sequencing and radiocarbon dating to show hippos inhabited the milder climate of the last Ice Age in southwestern Germany.

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Story summary

New research shows common hippos survived in the Upper Rhine Graben in central Europe from 47,000 to 31,000 years ago.
The findings challenge the long-held view that hippos vanished around 115,000 years ago.
An international team led by the University of Potsdam conducted the study and used ancient DNA sequencing and radiocarbon dating to show hippos inhabited the milder climate of the last Ice Age in southwestern Germany.