How long will elephant bones last??

[baxterb]

Too long of a story to explain why I'm asking, but in a dry/desert area - what is an educated guess as to how long large elephant bones/skull may last? We hear of 'elephant grave yards' but how long do those old bones last?

 

[rookhawk]

Too long of a story to explain why I'm asking, but in a dry/desert area - what is an educated guess as to how long large elephant bones/skull may last? We hear of 'elephant grave yards' but how long do those old bones last?

Not sure, but a very long time is a reasonable answer. I’ve seen a lot of old bones in Africa. The ones used as landscaping, sitting on gravel, concrete, or stone slabs, were very old And showed very little wear. Those under eaves protected from UV looked even better.

I’ll let the PHs answer for you because they are the ones that own these skulls in their gardens and they seem to be holding up for a very long time.

 

[John Wasmuth]

If they are protected from rodents porcupine hyenas and anything else that eats calcium they last a long time. But if left in a natural environment they will succumb to said environment.

 

[BourbonTrail]

If covered by sand, thousands of years.

I’ve seen bones that last decades above ground in arid conditions if there is nothing eating them. However, there is a natural breakdown by UV light and wind erosion that depends on exposure. There are bone diagenesis studies that explain the process and timelines.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Decomposition of skeletal remains in desert dry soil A roentgenological study December 1987Human Evolution 2(6):481

If you are bored, have a read.

 

[baxterb]

Decomposition of skeletal remains in desert dry soil A roentgenological study December 1987Human Evolution 2(6):481

If you are bored, have a read.

woo! Looks interesting. Thanks !