A team of paleontologists has uncovered a relatively well-preserved tetralophodon fossil in a former mine site in Wuzhong, Ningxia Hui autonomous region. Estimated to be between 9 million and 11 million years old, it’s the region’s first fully preserved large-mammal find in 10 years. Tetralophodons are posited to be ancient relatives of modern elephants
The find includes a mouth with well-preserved and distinct molar structures and a residual right incisor about 40 centimeters long (the left incisor is missing). The research team has completed protective collection work, and the next step will involve fossil restoration and research. The findings will be exhibited to the public at the Ningxia Geological Museum.
According to the sci-tech innovation team for fossils and geological relics of Ningxia, the discovery represents a breakthrough in local paleontological survey efforts. It fills the gap in the large Miocene mammal fossil record in Ningxia and provides direct physical indicators of the region’s climate and environment during that period. It’s also the team’s third achievement in 2025, following the discovery of dinosaur footprints in Tongxin county and the naming of a new ancient species.