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Channel Islands National Parkpygmy mammoth dig - Tim Hauf - timhaufphotography.com
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Channel Islands National Park
Paleo Animals
 

The most notable animal fossils, and the best studied aspect of island paleontology, are the pygmy mammoth (Mammuthus exilis). Remains of this species have been known on the Channel Islands since 1856 when they were discovered by a coast and geodetic survey. In 1994 a nearly complete adult skeleton was discovered and excavated on Santa Rosa.

Please visit the pygmy mammoth page under the History & Culture section for more information.
pygmy mammoth skeleton detail
Pygmy Mammoth
Discover how, when, and why these prehistoric creatures reached the Channel Islands.
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pygmy mammoth fossil
Video: Life and Times of the Pygmy Mammoth
Learn about the Channel Islands pygmy mammoth.
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1994 pygmy mammoth excavation, Santa Rosa Island  

Did You Know?
The world's most complete pygmy mammoth specimen was discovered on Santa Rosa Island in 1994. These miniature mammoths, only four to six feet tall, once roamed island grasslands and forests during the Pleistocene.

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Last Updated: September 19, 2006 at 12:52 EST