Fossils of a giant sloth and a mastodon from at least 10,000 years ago found in Costa Rica

San José.- Costa Rican authorities confirmed this Friday the discovery of a giant sloth fossil and another of a giant mastodon, which are part of the megafauna that inhabited the country 10,000 or 40,000 years ago. The Ministry of Culture reported that the finding, which occurred at a site that remains confidential in the province of Cartago (center), is Pleistocene megafauna and represents “a significant contribution to the country’s scientific knowledge, strengthens the national paleontological heritage and once again positions Costa Rica in regional research on megafauna.” The investigation originated from a citizen’s report, who alerted about the possible presence of fossil remains on private property. After the technical inspection and corresponding analyses, the team from the National Museum determined that they were pieces of megafauna, with which a process of excavation and rescue began.

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13 excavation and rescue works have been carried out, which have allowed the recovery of a total of 49 fossil pieces, including a complete 1.60-meter tusk, an additional tusk fragment, vertebrae, femur, phalanges, ribs and other bone elements that are still in the process of identification and study. “Due to the magnitude and quantity of material recovered, this finding becomes one of the most relevant recorded in the country in recent decades,” explained the Ministry of Culture.

Estimated Age of Fossils

The technical team in charge of the investigation is made up of 12 professionals in geology, archeology, and biology, with the support of students from the University of Costa Rica in academic internships. The recovery of the fossils is led by geologist Joanna Méndez Herrera, from the Department of Natural History, with the support of specialists in conservation and protection of the cultural heritage of the National Museum. Preliminary studies, based on geological analysis of the terrain and the different layers of sedimentation, estimate that the remains of Cuvieronius (giant mastodon) and Eremotherium (giant sloth) could be between 10,000 and 40,000 years old. The process has been advised by paleontologist Lucas Spencer of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History, and accompanied by Costa Rican geologist and academic, Guillermo Alvarado.

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The Minister of Culture and Youth, Jorge Rodríguez, highlighted the importance of the National Museum as the governing body in the research, protection, and dissemination of the country’s natural heritage, as well as “the scientific rigor, dedication, and professionalism of the technical team” in charge of the research. Rodríguez instructed the National Museum to begin the process of designing and enabling a permanent exhibition hall for his paleontological collection, so that the findings and fossil collection of the country serve educational and scientific purposes. “Our deep past deserves a permanent space in the living memory of the country,” he declared.