Ancient Butt-Drag Track Discovered: First of Its Kind in South Africa

A remarkable paleontological discovery has emerged from South Africa, where researchers have identified a 126,000-year-old buttock-drag track thought to be made by a rock hyrax. This unprecedented find marks the first fossilized butt-drag trace ever recorded, offering new insights into the behavior of these small, furry mammals known as dassies.

The study, published in the journal Ichnos, highlights the significance of this unique fossil. Rock hyraxes, or Procavia capensis, are herbivorous mammals typically found in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Their appearance in the fossil record is uncommon, making this discovery particularly noteworthy. The authors of the study state, “To the best of our knowledge, buttock-drag features have until now not been reported in the paleoichnology record.”

Rock hyraxes inhabit rocky terrains, which often limits the preservation of their traces. Nonetheless, these animals are known to traverse sandy areas at times, a behavior that has enabled scientists to unearth this exceptional fossil evidence. Characterized by short legs and stout bodies, rock hyraxes leave distinctive marks on the ground when they drag their bellies, similar to scooting behavior observed in domesticated dogs.

The butt-drag track was discovered in the Bosbokfontein Private Nature Reserve, located along a beach where wind-blown sand had solidified into rock over time. The fossilized feature measures approximately 37 inches in length and represents evidence of the hyrax’s unique locomotion.

Unveiling the World of Ichnology

The research team specializes in ichnology, a branch of paleontology focused on studying trace fossils—indirect signs of past life such as tracks, trails, and burrows. These fossils provide critical information about an animal’s behavior, environment, and interactions. Although rock hyraxes do not leave behind many direct fossils, they contribute significantly to the trace fossil record through polished rocks and urination deposits.

As the authors note, “Hyrax traces form an important, unusual, and unique part of the trace fossil record, while highlighting the notion of the Afrotheria.” Their findings suggest that further exploration for similar fossils across the African continent may yield even more exciting discoveries.

The research team remains committed to locating additional rock hyrax butt-drag tracks. They aspire that this groundbreaking discovery will inspire others to appreciate the importance of trace fossils in understanding evolutionary history.

This unique find not only enriches the scientific community’s knowledge of rock hyraxes but also emphasizes the vital role trace fossils play in reconstructing past ecosystems.