Narrow-nosed rhinoceros

The narrow-nosed rhinoceros (Stephanorhinus hemitoechus), also known as the steppe rhinoceros is an extinct species of rhinoceros belonging to the genus Stephanorhinus that lived in western Eurasia, including Europe, and West Asia, as well as North Africa during the Pleistocene. It first appeared in Europe around 500,000 years ago during the Middle Pleistocene and survived there until at least 34,000 years Before Present, possibly surviving as late as 15,500 years ago in the Middle East. On average around 1,500 kilograms (3,300 lb) in weight, it was comparable in size to the living black rhinoceros. The species was native to temperate and Mediterranean environments, ranging from forest to grasslands, where it fed on low growing plants and to a lesser extent woody plants. It reached its maximum geographical extent during interglacial periods, when its range would extend at least as far north as Germany and northern England. It was one of the last species of Stephanorhinus alongside Merck's rhinoceros (Stephanorhinus kirchbergensis), with the two species occurring alongside each other in some parts of Europe and the Caucasus. Evidence has been found that the narrow-nosed rhinoceros was exploited for food by archaic humans, including Neanderthals. Like other Stephanorhinus species, its closest living relative is the Sumatran rhinoceros.