Ancient Ostrich Nest Unearthed in Andhra Pradesh, Dated 41,000 Years old – World’s Oldest

Researchers have made an exciting discovery in Andhra Pradesh, uncovering the world’s oldest Ostrich nest dating back to 41,000 years. This remarkable find was made by archaeologists from a Vadodara University, along with experts from Germany, Australia, and the US, who were investigating a fossil-rich site in Andhra Pradesh’s Prakasam region.

The nest, a massive structure holding 911 ostrich eggs, provides unprecedented insights into the behavior and habitat of these ancient megafaunal birds. These nests, typically measuring between 9 to 10 feet in width, could accommodate up to 30 to 40 eggs at a time, showcasing the impressive size of these ancient structures.

Devara Anil Kumar, Assistant Professor at MSU’s Department of Archaeology and Ancient History in Vadodara, emphasized the significance of this discovery in understanding the extinction of megafaunal species in India. He noted that the discovery of nearly 3,500 fragments of ostrich eggshells within a small area not only confirms the historical presence of ostriches in Southern India but also establishes this as the oldest known ostrich nest in the world.

This groundbreaking discovery sheds light on the rich history of ostriches in India and provides valuable insights into the behavior and habitat of these ancient birds. It represents a crucial moment in unraveling the mysteries of megafaunal species and their existence in the Indian subcontinent.