Scientists Identify a New Ancient Bear Dog Species from Fossils Found in Spain

Summary

Paleontologists have identified Paludocyon moyasolai, a previously unknown species of amphicyonid or ancient bear dog, from two fossil specimens discovered near Barcelona, Spain, dating to approximately 15.9 million years ago during the Middle Miocene epoch.

Researchers distinguished the new species by its unusual molar proportions, including an exceptionally large third upper molar, with fossils comprising a well preserved partial skull with intact teeth and an isolated lower molar.

Phylogenetic analysis places Paludocyon moyasolai as the earliest branching member of its genus, suggesting it represents one of the most primitive known bear dogs, and the findings challenge the idea that the genus Cynelos forms a natural evolutionary grouping.

The discovery, published in the Journal of Mammalian Evolution, adds to understanding of amphicyonids, which were important land predators across North America and Eurasia for much of the Cenozoic Era.