The ancient deer-like creatures that thrived across three continents during the Miocene epoch

Nature · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Dorcatherium was a genus of tragulid ruminants that roamed Europe, East Africa, and the Siwaliks millions of years ago. By analyzing dental enamel and microscopic wear patterns, researchers have reconstructed the diets and habitats of these extinct animals, revealing how they adapted to diverse environments ranging from forests to arid plains.

Dorcatherium existed throughout the Miocene and potentially into the Pliocene, leaving behind a fossil record that spans vast geographic regions. These ruminants are closely related to modern tragulids, yet their dietary habits and environmental preferences show significant variation. Scientific investigation into their teeth has provided a window into their lives, utilizing chemical signatures like strontium and carbon isotopes to determine what these creatures consumed and where they lived.

The species D. naui serves as a primary example of this dietary analysis. Evidence from its dental enamel, specifically the ratios of strontium isotopes and carbon isotopes, suggests that it was partially frugivorous. This conclusion is bolstered by studies of dental microwear and mesowear, which confirm that D. naui functioned as a frugivorous browser. These findings highlight a specialized feeding strategy that allowed the genus to exploit specific niches within its ecosystem.

Further insights come from the Middle Miocene site of Maboko in Kenya, where researchers compared different species living in the same area. D. pigotti exhibited carbon isotope values indicating it fed in environments less densely wooded than those inhabited by modern tragulids. Even more striking, D. chappuisi displayed higher carbon isotope values at the same location, suggesting it preferred habitats that were significantly more open and arid than those favored by its relative. This diversity in habitat preference underscores the adaptability of the genus during a period of environmental transition.

The study of these extinct ruminants remains a vital area of research for understanding the evolution of tragulids. By mapping the isotopic signatures of their teeth, paleontologists can infer the ecological pressures these animals faced. While the genus is now extinct, the evidence gathered from sites like Maboko continues to clarify how these ancient mammals navigated the shifting landscapes of the Miocene epoch.

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