Scientists have found rare naturally mummified cheetah remains in caves in northern Saudi Arabia. The discovery was made near the city of Arar and includes seven mummified cheetahs and bones from at least fifty-four other animals. Tests show that the remains are between about one hundred thirty and more than one thousand eight hundred years old. This discovery is very unusual because large animals are rarely preserved so well in the Arabian Peninsula. The findings show that cheetahs once lived in the region, although they no longer appear there today.

The cheetahs were preserved naturally because the caves were dry and had stable temperatures. These conditions slowed decay and protected the remains from animals. Scientists also studied ancient DNA from the cheetahs using modern genetic tests. The results showed links to cheetah populations in Asia and northwest Africa. This research helps scientists understand how animals lived in the past and how environments have changed over time.