Butchered Rhino Points Towards Early Presence of Humans in Philippines

After the discovery of a butchered Rhino, the scientists have reached the conclusion that early humans existed in Philippines since almost 700,000 years back. The remains of the Rhino have been found accompanied with dozens of human-made stone artefacts and tools, deeply embedded in a bed of clay in Luzon, Philippines.

The excavation proves the fact that early humans colonised the Philippines hundreds of years before, than was believed. Also, these hominims, or ‘Hobbits’ pre date the present day humans- “Homo sapiens”. These humans depended on rhinos for their appetite. Very little in known about these humans. A lot of researchers are being done in order to reveal archeological clues about these. There is a possibility that these may be homo erectus, who are believed to have wandered to the present day China and south-east Asia. Although, factually, it was almost impossible for pre- humans to reach Luzon and other islands of Wallacea without a boat. The team of researchers, including paleontologist Dr. Gerrit Van Den Bergh from the University of Wollongong, stated that they are now forced to re- dig this aspect and are all set to conduct a research concerning this again. During the research, the scientists found unearthed tools including 49 sharp-edge flakes and two possible hammer stones. Almost 13 rhino bones gave signs of being attacked by hammers and one was smashed entirely, probably to get access to the edible marrow inside. Alongside, remains of Philippine brown deer, freshwater turtles and stegodons, an early incarnation of the elephant were also discovered. This is yet to be established that whether these were eaten by the early human occupants of Luzon or not.

By: Anuja Arora

Content: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/may/04/butchered-rhino-suggests-humans-were-in-the-philippines-700000-years-ago