# Extinct yak relative identified from ancient DNA in Denisova Cave

Scientists have identified an extinct relative of the yak using DNA recovered from sediment in Siberia's Denisova Cave, a site already famous for yielding Denisovan and Neanderthal remains. The finding shows that environmental DNA from cave dirt can reveal large mammals that left no bones or fossils behind, widening what researchers can learn about ancient ecosystems.

**Importance:** 3/5

## Sources

### Science
- [New Scientist](https://www.newscientist.com/article/2591962-2591962/?utm_campaign=RSS|NSNS&utm_content=home&utm_medium=RSS&utm_source=NSNS) — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 15:00:00 +0000
- [New Scientist](https://www.newscientist.com/article/2591962-extinct-yak-relative-discovered-from-dna-in-denisova-cave/?utm_campaign=RSS|NSNS&utm_content=home&utm_medium=RSS&utm_source=NSNS) — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 15:00:00 +0000