Pig-nosed Turtle
SPECIES CARETTOCHELYS INSCULPTA
DISTRIBUTION
GENUS
Megaloceros
DIET
Herbivore
LIVED IN
Open forests & meadow grasslands
PERIOD
Late Pleistocene to Early Holocene
Megaloceros giganteus – "Giant Deer"
The Irish Elk was one of the largest deer species ever to exist. Despite its name, it was not limited to Ireland and once roamed across Europe and Asia during the Ice Age.
It is best known for its enormous antlers, which could stretch over 3 metres from tip to tip. These impressive antlers were likely used to attract mates, display dominance, and possibly to defend against rivals.
Irish Elk were strong grazers, feeding on grasses and low-growing plants in open landscapes, similar to other large Ice Age herbivores. The species eventually became extinct around 7,500 years ago.
