Research by Unipd and Zaragoza confirms that the dwarf elephants of Sicily were grazers
22.09.2025
The research conducted by the Universities of Padua and Zaragoza, published in "Papers in Palaeontology," analysed the diet of the dwarf elephants of Sicily, Palaeoloxodon falconeri and Palaeoloxodon mnaidriensis, which lived during the Middle Pleistocene. Through the analysis of dental wear on fossil specimens preserved at the Museum of Nature and Man, it was discovered that both species were grazers, primarily consuming abrasive grassy material.
The researchers, analysing dental wear to reconstruct the diet of the dwarf elephants, questioned whether these animals preferred abrasive grassy vegetation (grazers), soft vegetation such as leaves and fruits (browsers), or a mixed diet. Using micro-wear and meso-wear dental techniques, they discovered that both species had a convergent diet based on abrasive material.
The Museum of Nature and Man at the University of Padua houses numerous fossil remains of dwarf elephants from Sicily, originating from four locations in the Palermo area. The two extinct species, Palaeoloxodon falconeri and Palaeoloxodon mnaidriensis, descended from the continental ancestor Palaeoloxodon antiquus, which arrived on the island and subsequently reduced in size.
Palaeoloxodon falconeri, which lived between 800,000 and 400,000 years ago, was the smallest species, with males reaching about 1 metre in height and females around 0.9 metres.
Palaeoloxodon mnaidriensis, which lived between 400,000 and 100,000 years ago, stood between 1.8 and 2 metres at the shoulder, half the size of its continental ancestor. During the Middle Pleistocene, Sicily was fragmented into smaller islands with limited fauna. Palaeoloxodon falconeri had no competitors or predators, favouring its size reduction. Palaeoloxodon mnaidriensis, on the other hand, lived in a Sicily similar in size to its current dimensions, coexisting with hippos, ruminants, and carnivores, which led to a less marked size reduction.
Despite the reduction or absence of competitors for access to limited plant resources, which could have allowed the selection of softer and more digestible vegetation, the results demonstrate a high consumption of abrasive material typical of a grazing diet for both species.
This finding is significant because it demonstrates the ecological adaptation of dwarf elephants to the limited plant resources of the islands and various environmental pressures. Palaeoloxodon falconeri, without competitors and predators, was able to exploit limited plant resources. This led plants to defend themselves by increasing silica deposits and lignification, causing the dental wear observed. Palaeoloxodon mnaidriensis, meanwhile, coexisted with other mammals, adapting to grasslands.
"This study shows how the MNU is not just a modern exhibition and educational centre, but also a vibrant research laboratory," concludes Fabrizio Nestola, President of the University Centre for Museums and Director of the Museum of Nature and Man. "Once again, it is new studies on old specimens, fossils that, despite being part of historical collections, still have much to tell and therefore retain high scientific value. Our task is to preserve them for future generations."
(Photo: © recreation Palaeoloxodon falconeri e mnaidriensis - Simone Zoccante)
