Prehistoric Cave Lion (Panthera spelaea) Anterior Mandible Fossil This lot presents a highly collectible and scientifically important fossil of a prehistoric carnivorous mammal—an anterior portion of a cave lion mandible—originating from the Songhua River Basin, Heilongjiang Province, northeastern China. The specimen dates to the Late Pleistocene, commonly referred to as the Ice Age. During the Pleistocene epoch, Eurasia was home to a wide range of large-bodied megafauna, including mammoths, bison, saber-toothed cats, and the cave lion, which occupied the top of the food chain. Compared with modern lions, Panthera spelaea was larger and more powerfully built, with robust musculature adapted to cold, open steppe and periglacial environments, making it one of the most iconic apex predators of its time. The Songhua River region lies near the southeastern boundary of the cave lion’s known distribution, and fossils from this area are relatively rare. Consequently, this specimen is of particular importance for understanding the survival and evolutionary adaptations of cave lions in cold-climate environments. This mandible fossil is preserved in natural condition and retains a molar tooth, and the circular cavity visible in the photograph is the alveolus (tooth socket) of the canine tooth. It has not undergone any restoration or artificial repair, allowing the authentic anatomical features of a large prehistoric felid to be clearly observed. This specimen is well suited for natural history collectors, paleontological researchers, or enthusiasts seeking an authentic relic from the Ice Age. Mandible Dimensions: Approximately 12.4 × 6.2 × 3 cm (approximately 4.88 × 2.44 × 1.18 inches) Condition: Original condition, with no repairs or restorations. Shipping: The item will be shipped worldwide via Chunghwa Post (Taiwan’s official postal service). Please feel free to contact us if you require additional photographs or further information.