US EditionAncient mummified cheetahs discovered in Saudi Arabia contain preserved DNA from the long-lost population
Researchers extracted complete genomes from three mummified cheetahs, revealing two subspecies once lived in Arabia and supporting rewilding efforts with a broader genetic pool.
- On January 15, 2026, scientists who excavated the remains reported mummified cheetah remains in caves near the city of Arar, northern Saudi Arabia, detailed in Communications Earth & Environment.
- Between 2022 and 2023, survey teams found over 1,000 caves in northern Saudi Arabia, where dry cave microclimates and stable temperatures likely enabled natural mummification by limiting decay and scavengers.
- Genetic analyses revealed complete genomes from three sequenced specimens, with two desiccated cheetahs aged 130 and 1,870 years and the oldest skeletal specimen dated about 4,000 years.
- Geneticists and conservationists say genetic data from the mummies could inform reintroduction decisions and support the National Center for Wildlife 's 2023 program, while authors recommend A. j. hecki as a more abundant rewilding source than A. j. venaticus.
- Cheetah conservation context shows the global cheetah population numbers about 7,100, occupying roughly 9% of its former range, while in Asia the range has shrunk by 98% and fewer than 70 Asiatic cheetahs remain in Iran.
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52 Articles
Scientists Found 7 Mummified Cheetahs That Could Provide Key Insight for Conservation Efforts: ‘Serendipitous Discovery’
The mummies were found in a network of caves in Saudi ArabiaGetty Cheetah (stock image)NEED TO KNOWScientists discovered seven mummified cheetahs in caves in Saudi Arabia, according to a new studyThe remains date back to between 150 and 4,000 years agoResearchers believe the discovery provides valuable information for ongoing cheetah conservation effortsScientists found mummified cheetahs in caves in Saudi Arabia, a discovery that could help she…
Mummified Cheetahs Found in Saudi Arabia Date Back 1,800 Years
A mummified cheetah found inside cave in Saudi Arabia. Credit: Ahmed Al Boug / CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Scientists have uncovered the mummified remains of cheetahs in a cave near Arar in northern Saudi Arabia, with some dating back more than 1,800 years. The rare discovery includes seven naturally preserved cheetahs and skeletal remains from 54 others. Researchers say the dry, stable cave environment likely played a key role in preventing decay, allowing…
Scientists have discovered seven mummified cheetahs and 54 other animal cadavers in caves near Arar. The findings up to 1800 years old are exceptionally well preserved.
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