Ancient Bear-dog Species Uncovered in Spain Honors Moyà-solà

WHO:

Phys.org - A research team participated from the Institut Català de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont (ICP).

Sci.News - Dr. Jorge Morales from the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales-CSIC is one of the researchers involved.

WHAT:

Phys.org - A new species of extinct carnivore named Paludocyon moyasolai has been described.

Sci.News - The species Paludocyon moyasolai is identified as a medium-sized amphicyonid, commonly referred to as a bear-dog.

Sci.News - The fossils consist of a well-preserved partial skull with most teeth intact and an isolated lower molar.

Sci.News - The study was published in the Journal of Mammalian Evolution.

WHERE:

Phys.org - The fossils were recovered at the Els Casots site in Subirats, Alt Penedès, Spain.

Sci.News - The fossils were unearthed in the Vallès-Penedès Basin near Barcelona, Spain.

Sci.News - The specimens are housed at the Institut Català de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont in Sabadell, Spain.

WHEN:

Phys.org - Paludocyon moyasolai lived approximately 15.9 million years ago during the early Middle Miocene.

Sci.News - The study was published in the Journal of Mammalian Evolution in 2026.

WHY:

Phys.org - The specific epithet "moyasolai" honors Salvador Moyà-Solà, a key figure in vertebrate paleontology in the Iberian Peninsula.

HOW:

Sci.News - The researchers compared the teeth of Paludocyon moyasolai with those of related species from Europe and North America to determine its evolutionary placement.

Sci.News - The analysis indicated that Paludocyon moyasolai represents the earliest branch of its genus, making it one of the most primitive known members of the group.

(UPDATED June 12, 2026 21:35 UTC)

A research team from the Institut Català de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont has described a new species of extinct carnivore named Paludocyon moyasolai, which is identified as a medium-sized bear-dog. The fossils, consisting of a well-preserved partial skull and an isolated lower molar, were recovered at the Els Casots site in Subirats, near Barcelona, and are now housed at the institute in Sabadell. This species, which lived approximately 15.9 million years ago during the early Middle Miocene, honors Salvador Moyà-Solà, a significant figure in vertebrate paleontology in the Iberian Peninsula.