Ancient Discoveries in Allgäu

Recent excavations in the Allgäu region have revealed remarkable prehistoric findings, including the skeletal remains of a hominid, Danuvius guggenmosi, dating back 11.6 million years. Additionally, researchers uncovered bones of Kretzoiarctos beatrix, a primitive ancestor of the modern panda.

Unlike today's giant pandas, which exclusively consume bamboo, this ancestral species had a diverse diet similar to that of brown bears. The study led by Madelaine Böhme at the Senckenberg Centre for Human Evolution and Palaeoenvironment highlights the evolutionary path of these creatures.

Alongside these significant discoveries, 27 other carnivore species were also found, enriching our understanding of the region's ancient biodiversity. This research challenges existing views on the development of dietary habits in pandas and offers new insights into early hominid evolution.