Ancient Cheetah Mummies Found in Saudi Arabia Caves

Deep inside caves in northern Saudi Arabia, researchers uncovered something extraordinary: the naturally mummified remains of 61 cheetahs, preserved by the desert for up to 4,000 years.

The discovery proves these sleek big cats roamed the Arabian Peninsula for millennia before vanishing from the region just 130 to 180 years ago. Seven of the cheetahs were so well preserved by the dry desert air that their bodies mummified naturally, offering scientists an unprecedented window into the past.

Ahmed Boug, who leads the National Center for Wildlife in Riyadh, says the find came as a surprise when his team analyzed the ancient DNA. The older specimens matched cheetahs from Northwest Africa, while younger remains were closer to today's endangered Asiatic cheetahs found in Iran.

"It was a big surprise," Boug explains. The genetic shift suggests different cheetah populations moved through the region over thousands of years, painting a far more dynamic picture of Arabian wildlife than scientists previously understood.

The mystery of their disappearance likely has nothing to do with climate. The Arabian desert has been harsh and dry for millennia, yet cheetahs thrived there for thousands of years. Instead, human activity probably drove them away through hunting and the expansion of cities and industry into wild spaces.

Why This Inspires

This discovery isn't just about the past. Saudi Arabia is actively working to restore its wild landscapes, and these findings offer a roadmap for bringing cheetahs home.

The genetic evidence opens exciting possibilities for rewilding efforts. Knowing that multiple cheetah subspecies once called Saudi Arabia home means conservationists can consider introducing genetic diversity, strengthening any future population against disease and environmental challenges.

The kingdom's rewilding program represents one of the most ambitious conservation efforts in the region. With evidence that cheetahs belonged to this landscape for 4,000 years, the case for their return grows stronger.

These ancient mummies prove that sometimes looking backward helps us move forward. Within our lifetimes, cheetahs might once again sprint across Arabian sands where they belong.