Another Friday, another mystery object. This week I’m going back to my favourite subject – skulls. This particular specimen has been brought in to the Dead Zoo for identification by customs and although I’ve narrowed it down, I’m still not 100% sure of the species just yet:
It’s a fairly straightforward genus for anybody who knows their ungulates, so cryptic clues are appreciated. However, the species is harder to work out, so bonus points for detail. Have fun!
Zygoma 
Possibly look to the East to win this gem!
It doesn’t have scimitar horns and is over 400mm long which I think narrows it down to one of two species… Now to find a way of differentiating between those two…
I gather customs had confiscated the skull? Don’t blame them. It’s a gem, all right.
Is it X or is it Y? Hmmm. Does it still exist in the wild?
Genuinely Excited to see one i Might know for a change! Species i can’t do, But i think i’m OK on genus, at least!
Saiga antelope – Russian
I was eager to claim one of two precious gems, but after reading Lee etal 2013 (who referenced Groves & Grubb 2011), it seems there are probably three gems to seek and few rules to mark the way! Rings may call up the correct one, but booking it over to a bone library might just show it in their catalog. But, as they say in real estate, a good location can be half the selling point.
Or could it be an Ex from East Africa?
Haven’t a clue about actual species. But I love that ruler.