New Species Of Middle Miocene Bear-Dog Described In Tribute To Salvador Moyà-Solà

New Bear-Dog Species Unearthed in Honor of Paleontology Pioneer

A team of researchers, including members from the Institut Català de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont (ICP), has unveiled a new species of bear-dog, based on fossil discoveries at the Els Casots site in Subirats, Alt Penedès. The findings, detailed in the Journal of Mammalian Evolution, introduce Paludocyon moyasolai, a medium-sized member of the amphicyonid family that roamed the Earth roughly 15.9 million years ago during the early Middle Miocene.

The name "moyasolai" is a fitting homage to Salvador Moyà-Solà, a pivotal figure in the evolution of vertebrate paleontology within the Iberian Peninsula. He served as the director of ICP from its inception until 2017, leaving an indelible mark on the field.