- Published on
Saber-Toothed Cats Were A Diseased, Inbred Mess Before They Went Extinct, New Research Suggests
- Authors
- Name
- DeepHorus
A study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science suggests that Smilodon fatalis, the saber-toothed cat, was suffering from inbreeding and spinal defects before its extinction 12,000 years ago. Researchers examined over 3,700 vertebrae from at least 849 individuals preserved in the La Brea Tar Pits. They discovered an unusually high number of congenital malformations and tumors.
Weighing up to 600 pounds, this "deadly knife-tooth" split from tiger ancestors 20 million years ago. It reigned as an ambush predator across the Americas during the Pleistocene epoch. Its scimitar-like fangs and powerful build made it one of the most formidable carnivores of its time.
Using CT scans, the team identified more than 200 vertebral malformations and nearly 50 fused vertebrae. Three cats showed spinal nerve tumors, an estimated prevalence of 353 per 100,000—compared with 0.38 in humans. Such afflictions cause pain, muscle wasting, and lameness.
These disabilities would have severely hampered hunting ability. The researchers believe weakened cats were drawn to tar pits by struggling herbivores, only to become trapped themselves. The tar seeps acted as deadly carnivore traps.
The evidence strongly points to inbreeding, but the team notes DNA analysis is impossible because no soft tissues survived. They add that declining late-Pleistocene mammal populations show increasing occurrences of inbreeding. This aligns with broader trends of genomic decay in ancient animals.
The findings serve as a cautionary tale for today's endangered species. Habitat loss and climate change are shrinking gene pools, driving health problems like those that marked the saber-toothed cat's decline. Without intervention, modern wildlife may face a similar fate.
