"It is rare to find a fossil like this in the tropics such as Indonesia, precisely in the East Java. This seems covered by volcanic deposits that are protected from high temperature, erosion and damage, "said Edi Sunardi, at Padjadjaran University in Bandung, West Java, told the Associated Press.
A team consisting of seven paleontologists from the Museum of Geology in Bandung, West Java, worked for a month to explore the complete skeleton of a creature 13 feet high around it.
"We believe the shape of his teeth, that it is a very primitive elephant," paleontologist Fachroel Aziz told the AP.
Researchers say 90% of bone elephant was successfully removed. Bone is currently being cleaned and will be investigated more deeply. However, scientists acknowledge the process of putting the framework as it had been before facing obstacles due to lack of funding, both equipment and expertise as a whole.
Aziz Fahroel from Bandung Geology Museum, said the newly discovered bones the first time in full from head to foot. From snout to the tip of the tail all complete and intact.
Species and age of the elephant will be examined based on bone samples. Initial studies showed that the elephant lived 200 thousand years ago. Scientists believe the elephant was larger than modern elephants as it is.
Aziz said Paleontologists have found about 2,000 elephants skeleton remains rare in Indonesia for 150 years, but none of them are in new condition compared to the recently discovered.
"We want to show the public that this is a spectacular discovery," he said.