Spanish scientists find 15.9-million-year-old bear-dog species in Catalonia

Spanish Scientists Uncover 15.9-Million-Year-Old Bear-Dog Species in Catalonia

Spanish scientists find 15 9 million - In the early 1990s, a skull was discovered during an excavation campaign at Els Casots, a site located in the municipality of Subirats within the Alt Penedès region of Spain. Over time, this location has evolved into a pivotal Miocene fossil site in Europe, yielding valuable insights into the ancient ecosystems of the area. However, when the specimen was first unearthed, researchers classified it as a known species within the genus *Paludocyon*, a group of bear-dogs with previously documented remains found across Europe and other continents. For years, the skull was stored without further study, its significance overlooked until a breakthrough occurred in 2014.

A New Discovery

During the course of a doctoral thesis, a team of researchers revisited the skull and noticed inconsistencies in its classification. They found that the specimen did not align with the previously identified *Paludocyon* species, which were larger and more robust, comparable in size to lions or tigers and weighing up to 200 kilograms. In contrast, the newly examined skull appeared smaller and less muscular, prompting the team to investigate further. This reevaluation led to the identification of a previously unknown species, which would later be named *Paludocyon moyasolai* in honor of the renowned paleontologist Salvador Moyà-Solà.

Collaborative Efforts

The discovery was confirmed through a two-year study conducted by the Institut Català de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont, with collaboration from multiple institutions across Europe and beyond. These included the National Museum of Natural Sciences (CSIC), the University of Valencia, the Autonomous University of Barcelona, Complutense University of Madrid, Ecuador’s National Institute of Biodiversity, and the Iziko museum in South Africa. The combined expertise of these teams helped establish Els Casots as the global reference site for *Paludocyon moyasolai*, highlighting its importance in the study of Miocene fauna.

Physical Characteristics and Diet

The newly identified species, *Paludocyon moyasolai*, belonged to the amphicyonid group—a family of extinct carnivores that exhibited features of both dogs and bears. Unlike its larger relatives, this species was significantly smaller, roughly the size of a large domestic dog, and weighed between 50 and 70 kilograms. The fossil remains, which included the skull, most of the dentition, and a single isolated lower molar, revealed distinctive traits. Notably, the posterior molars showed unusual development, with the second upper molar being especially broad and the third larger than typical for the genus. These dental characteristics suggest a diet that was more varied than previously assumed, indicating the animal could hunt small and medium-sized prey such as primitive deer, bovids, and ancestral pigs.

Environmental Context

“The setting in which it lived around 15.9 million years ago was very different from today,” explained the excavation leaders. “It thrived in a shallow lagoon surrounded by tropical forest, where crocodiles, snakes, fish, and a striking diversity of mammals coexisted.”

This rich, aquatic environment played a crucial role in preserving the fossils. Once the animals died, their remains became embedded in the mud, shielding them from decay and allowing for exceptional preservation. The conditions at Els Casots provide a rare glimpse into the Miocene period, a time of significant climatic and ecological change that shaped the evolution of various species.

Broader Implications

The find contributes to a growing body of research on how large carnivore communities were structured during the Miocene era on the Iberian Peninsula. Earlier studies had already examined sites such as Los Valles de Fuentidueña in Segovia and Cerro de los Batallones in Madrid, where a remarkable number of carnivore species, including bear-dogs, felids, hyenas, and bears, coexisted. These sites revealed intense competition among predators, except for certain species that specialized in different prey or habitats. The recent study at Els Casots adds a new dimension to this understanding, emphasizing the adaptability of amphicyonids and their role in diverse ecological niches.

Research Methodology

A key aspect of the study involved the use of stable isotope analysis on over 200 tooth enamel samples. This technique allows scientists to determine an animal’s diet by examining the chemical composition of its remains. The process requires only a few milligrams of enamel, extracted with a dentist’s drill, and analyzed using mass spectrometry. By applying this method to multiple Miocene sites, researchers can reconstruct the dietary habits of ancient species and trace how they adapted to environmental shifts, such as the transition from dense forests to open, arid landscapes.

Evolutionary Significance

The discovery of *Paludocyon moyasolai* fits into a larger narrative of Miocene evolution. While the species predates the well-known communities studied at Fuentidueña and Batallones, it shares a common ancestry with those that later dominated Eurasia and North Africa. This finding underscores the complexity of Miocene ecosystems and the dynamic interactions among carnivores. The existence of multiple amphicyonid species at the same site, including a larger relative yet to be formally described, suggests that these animals played a diverse role in their environment, from predators to scavengers.

By combining fossil evidence with advanced analytical techniques, the research team has deepened our understanding of how species adapted to changing climates and competed for resources. The insights gained from Els Casots not only highlight the unique characteristics of *Paludocyon moyasolai* but also illustrate the broader evolutionary strategies that allowed certain species to thrive in the face of intense competition. This work continues to shape the study of ancient ecosystems, offering a window into the lives of creatures that once roamed the planet millions of years ago.