[PaleoMammalogy • 2026] Megacauda sungei • A Jurassic mammaliaform swimmer and transformation of the mammalian pharynx

 Megacauda sungei 

Y. Li, P. Li, Neander, Zhang, Zhou, Martin & Luo, 2026 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-026-11107-0 

Abstract

The discovery of a well-preserved mammaliaform fossil from the Middle Jurassic period of China reveals evidence on the evolutionary transformation of the feeding apparatus and the ecological diversity of Mesozoic era mammals. Mammaliaforms are evolutionary predecessors to modern Mammalia, and their morphologies provide primary insights into the evolutionary origin of mammals. The rare preservation of a therian-like pharyngeal vault (throat passage) and hyoid skeletal anatomy (throat bones) in this mammaliaform suggests that critical soft-tissue anatomy for therian-like swallowing, drinking and suckling behaviours had evolved in the common ancestors of Docodonta and Mammalia, long before the rise of modern mammals. This fossil exhibits a wealth of features specialized for swimming, filling in a major gap of anatomical knowledge of pelvis and hindlimb for early mammals. It is characterized by highly distinctive canines and pseudo-carnassial sectorial teeth for a faunivorous diet. We interpret that this mammaliaform was semiaquatic, swimming and foraging in water, with a lifestyle analogous to the extant platypus. This species is the largest of Jurassic mammaliaforms. It expands the body size range of docodontans, and adds to a growing body of evidence that multiple docodontans exploited diverse niches with semiaquatic and other ecomorphotypes. Docodontans are an early example of replicated evolution of the semiaquatic and other ecomorphotypes in the Mesozoic ecosystem dominated by dinosaurs, long before the diversification of extant mammals.

Holotype main-part of Megacauda sungei (Docodonta, Mammaliaformes) (PMOL–AM00026A).

Megacauda sungei

Y. Li, P. Li, A. I. Neander, H. Zhang, C.-F. Zhou, T. Martin and Z.-X. Luo. 2026. A Jurassic mammaliaform swimmer and transformation of the mammalian pharynx. Nature. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-026-11107-0 [07 October 2026]

https://news.uchicago.edu/story/uchicago-scientists-reveal-jurassic-otter-could-chew-and-swallow-modern-mammals 

  

 

[PaleoMammalogy • 2026] Olotimcolobus narokensis & Lemucolobus orkimusei • A Systematic Revision of the Late Miocene Cercopithecid Monkeys From the Lemudong'o Formation, Kenya

 

Olotimcolobus narokensis

Arenson, Gilbert, Yang, Ambrose, Kinyanjui, Manthi, DiMaggio & Hammond, 2026

 DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.70317 

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The late Miocene Lemudong'o Formation in southwestern Kenya (6.2–6.0 Ma) samples an important period in Africa when early representatives of modern catarrhine clades (Hominidae and Cercopithecidae) appear. Fossils collected from this formation before 2007 include three species of colobine monkey. However, several new fossils have been recovered, including a partial cranium, calling for a reassessment of Lemudong'o Formation cercopithecid taxonomy.

Materials and Methods: This study describes 79 new cercopithecid specimens from collection years 2007–2016 and 2019–2024. These specimens, together with previously published material from the Lemudong'o Formation, are compared to fossil cercopithecids from other contemporaneous sites in Africa as well as a sample of extant cercopithecids.

Results: New material supports the presence of the three previously identified colobine taxa and identifies a novel fourth colobine species. The novel colobine species is described as Olotimcolobus narokensis gen. et sp. nov., and the previously recognized small indeterminate colobine is here named Lemucolobus orkimusei gen. et sp. nov. Existing hypodigms are refined in light of this new taxonomy. A papionin is also identified from this formation for the first time, adding to the scant late Miocene cercopithecine record.

Discussion: The Lemudong'o Formation is remarkable for its high cercopithecid diversity in the Late Miocene. The predominance of colobines here and at other contemporaneous sites (e.g., Lukeino, Lothagam, Nakali, Toros Menalla) suggests that colobines were more diverse than cercopithecines through the early part of their radiation. Possible ecological factors are discussed in the context of early cercopithecid diversity and evolution.

 Olotimcolobus narokensis gen. et sp. nov.

 

Julia L. Arenson, Christopher C. Gilbert, Deming Yang, Stanley H. Ambrose, Rahab N. Kinyanjui, Fredrick K. Manthi, Erin N. DiMaggio and Ashley S. Hammond. 2026. A Systematic Revision of the Late Miocene Cercopithecid Monkeys From the Lemudong'o Formation, Kenya. American Journal of Biological Anthropology. 190(3); e70317. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.70317 [27 July 2026]

Descobreixen dos nous gèneres de primats de fa 6 milions d’anys en un jaciment fòssil de Kenya

https://www.icp.cat/index.php/ca/sala-de-premsa-4/noticies-icp/item/3708-descobreixen-dos-nous-generes-de-primats-de-fa-6-milions-d-anys-en-un-jaciment-fossil-de-kenya

[Mammalogy • 2026] Phylogenomics and Museomics reveal Five distinct Species of Tiger Cats (Carnivora: Felidae: Leopardus) in South America

 

Leopardus tilcayo  Nogales-Ascarrunz, Aliaga-Rossel, Lescroart & Eizirik, 

in Lescroart, Nogales-Ascarrunz, Cassatt-Johnstone, Bonilla-Sánchez, ... et Eizirik, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2026.08.059

Highlights: 

• First discovery of a novel cat species in over a century: Leopardus tilcayo

• Description of a novel cat subspecies: Leopardus tigrinus antisuyo

• Phylogenomic resolution of the tiger cat complex, revealing five distinct species

• Museomics and novel approaches to assess evolutionary history and genomic diversity

Summary

The evolutionary history of elusive organisms can be characterized through genomic analyses, which have the power to reveal previously unknown taxa even in groups assumed to be well studied, such as cats. We have analyzed complete genomes of 38 individuals from the Neotropical cat genus Leopardus, including 26 individuals representing multiple evolutionary units of the contentious tiger cat (Leopardus tigrinus) species complex. Eight genomes were generated from museum specimens, which allowed the first genetic assessment of the type locality for L. tigrinus in the Guiana Shield. We found that this complex comprises five distinct species, including a novel cat species, discovered in the Bolivian Yungas and described in this study as L. tilcayo. The Peruvian Yungas unit of this complex also represents a distinct taxonomic entity, which we describe here as a novel subspecies, L. tigrinus antisuyo. Our phylogenomic analyses resolve the evolutionary relationships among the tiger cat geographic units, thus stabilizing their recalcitrant taxonomy and enabling adequate conservation assessment of these threatened felids. We also address other aspects of their evolution, including biogeography, past episodes of interspecies admixture, demographic history of each taxonomic unit, and temporal changes in genetic diversity. Altogether, our results clarify the evolutionary history of a complex radiation of wild cats, reveal novel taxa, and serve as a basis for conservation planning on behalf of these elusive wild cats.

 

Keywords: Bolivian Yungas, Peruvian Yungas, Felidae, Guiana Shield, historic DNA, Leopardus, museomics, concordance vector, new species, tilcayo

 

Live specimen of Leopardus tilcayo (sample ID: L. tilcayo BOl-2, voucher ID: MNHN-L2), a newly described tiger cat species from the Bolivian Yungas.

Photo by Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz

 

Family Felidae Batsch, 1788 

Subfamily Felinae Batsch, 1788 

 Leopardus Gray, 1842

Leopardus tilcayo sp. nov. Nogales-Ascarrunz, Aliaga-Rossel, Lescroart & Eizirik 

Type material: Holotype: CBF-11990, adult male. Live-captured and held in captivity, genome sequences NCBI SRA accession SRX30196846. Date: 09-2021; collectors: E. Aliaga-Rosel and P. Nogales-Ascarrunz (see Data S1).

Type locality: La Paz, Nor Yungas, near Arapata village (1,570 m above sea level [a.s.l.]), Bolivia. Coordinates: −16.248594, −67.634691 (WGS84).

Etymology: This species is named after the local name “tilcayo” used for this felid, which is widely known in the Bolivian Yungas zone. The name is treated as an unchanged noun in apposition.

Vernacular name: We propose “tilcayo” as the English common name, preserving the traditional local designation in recognition of its cultural and regional relevance.

Diagnosis: Leopardus tilcayo differs from L. pardinoides by its shorter pelage, lower contrast pattern, more expanded and irregular open rosettes, less bushy tail, and the absence of broad and complete caudal bands (see Data S1). It differs from L. tigrinus by its larger and more irregular flank markings, longer and fuller tail, and irregular caudal blotches. It differs from L. guttulus by its larger, more heterogeneous markings, lower dorsal contrast, and relatively longer tail. L. tilcayo can be distinguished from other Leopardus taxa by a large number of molecular characters. In the nuclear genome, among the 29,288,951 transversion variants, on average 1,392,646 sites differentiate L. tilcayo from L. t. antisuyo and 1,491,301 sites differentiate L. tilcayo from L. pardinoides. For simplicity we provide a list of diagnostic mitochondrial DNA sites (see Data S1).

Jonas Lescroart, Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz, Molly Cassatt-Johnstone, Alejandra Bonilla-Sánchez, Caroline Charão Sartor, Fernando Angulo, Jorge L. Ramirez, Larissa Rosa de Oliveira, Tadeu Gomes de Oliveira, Beth Shapiro, Enzo Aliaga-Rossel, Hannes Svardal and Eduardo Eizirik. 2026. Phylogenomics and Museomics reveal Five distinct Species of Tiger Cats in South America. Current Biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2026.08.059 [September 17, 2026]

[Mammalogy • 2026] Rhinolophus indorouxii • Resolving Taxonomic Ambiguity: A New cryptic Rufous Horseshoe Bat (Chiroptera: Rhinolophidae: Rhinolophus) from southern India

 

 Rhinolophus indorouxii  

Raman, Garg & Chattopadhyay, 2026

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2026.06.003

Abstract

Bats are the second largest group of mammals with high cryptic diversity. In this study, we describe the previously identified sibling species Rhinolophus indorouxii of the endemic rufous horseshoe bat Rhinolophus rouxii from Southern India. The species was discovered based on acoustic diversity and mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequencing–based genetic distance metric and phylogenetic affinity. However, no detailed morphological description was available. We address this lacuna by presenting with a detailed morphological description along with acoustic and genetic (cytochrome oxidase I barcoding gene) data and identify species specific characters for future studies. This is an important step in recognizing the species diversity of Southern India, which is home to one of the global biodiversity hotspots.

Keywords: bat, taxonomy, systematics, Chiroptera, New species, Rhinolophidae, Western Ghats

 External appearance of Rhinolophus indorouxii sampled from Kerala part of southern Western Ghats. 
A—front view of the bat showing the noseleaf and ears, taken from Silent Valley National Park on 05 June 2018, B—dorsal view of the bat, taken Periyar Tiger Reserve on 12 July 2017,
C—lateral view of bat with brown coloration, taken from Kasargod Forest Division on 25 Nov 2018, D—bat having a combination of orange and brown coloration, taken from Ranipuram (Kasargod Forest Division) on 21 Feb 2018, E—bat with a combination of golden and orange coloration from Periyar Tiger Reserve on 12 July 2017, F—bat with dark-orange coloration from Periyar Tiger Reserve on 12 July 2017.

Images: Sreehari Raman. Not to scale.

The skull and mandible of Rhinolophus indorouxii, ♂ ZSI/WGRC/I.R.-V.4044 (holotype) from Dhoni reserve forest, Palakkad, Kerala, south India.
A—lateral views of the skull; B—lateral views of the mandible; C—dorsal view of the skull; D—occlusal view of skull; E—occlusal view of the mandible; F—frontal view of the mandible

Scale=10 mm.

 

Sreehari Raman, Kritika M. Garg and Balaji Chattopadhyay. 2026. Resolving Taxonomic Ambiguity: Description of A New cryptic Rufous Horseshoe Bat from Southern India Rhinolophus indorouxii sp. nov. Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity. In Press, DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2026.06.003 [24 July 2026]

[Mammalogy • 2026] Glauconycteris baka & G. lobeke • An Integrated Taxonomic and Conservation Assessment of Glauconycteris (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) in Cameroon, with the Description of Two New Species from the Northwestern Congolian Lowland Forest

A. Glauconycteris lobeke sp. nov., ♂, holotype, Djombi village, LNP;
B. G. beatrix, ♂, Pont cassé platform, LNP; 
 C. G. baka sp. nov., ♂, holotype, Mambele village, LNP. 

Gomeh-Djame, Bates, Juste, Suarez-Rubio, Torrent, García-Mudarra, Ayangma, Yettore, Bilong & Bakwo-Fils, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1282.183038

Not to scale.

Abstract 

The genus Glauconycteris (Vespertilionidae) comprises small, forest-dependent bats distributed across sub-Saharan Africa. Despite its distinctive morphology, the genus remains poorly represented in collections and its taxonomy unresolved. During recent field surveys in southeastern Cameroon, ten Glauconycteris specimens were collected from the Northwestern Congolian Lowland Forest, eight from Lobéké National Park (LNP) and two from the Dja Biosphere Reserve (DBR). Morphometric and molecular analyses assigned these specimens to eight species, including representatives of three species groups (poensis, beatrix, and humeralis). One species, G. superba, is recorded for the first time from Cameroon and two are described herein as new to science, Glauconycteris baka sp. nov. and Glauconycteris lobeke sp. nov. These findings increase the total number of recognised Glauconycteris species to 15 and confirm that G. beatrix, as previously understood, represents a species complex, revealing further cryptic diversity within the genus. By combining taxonomic, ecological, and distributional data, our results indicate that most members of the genus tolerate moderate habitat degradation and that all 11 species recorded from Cameroon occur within or adjacent to at least one protected area. This study provides the first integrated taxonomic assessment of Glauconycteris in Cameroon, refines species distributions, and contributes additional ecological data for three species (G. gleni, G. egeria, and G. curryae) currently listed as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List. Our findings underscore the importance of continued sampling in the Guineo-Congolian region to better inform the conservation of Africa’s forest-dependent bats.

Key words: Conservation status, cryptic diversity, forest dependent bats, Guineo-Congolian region, integrative taxonomy, molecular phylogenetics

Three small, morphologically similar species of Glauconycteris from Cameroon with dark pelage and wings, a pale shoulder spot and no lateral stripe shown at an enlarged scale to highlight diagnostic external characters. Ventral/lateral views above, dorsal view below.
A. G. lobeke sp. nov., ♂, holotype, AD.2023.11.19.151, Djombi village, LNP; B. G. beatrix, ♂, AD.2023.11.25.182, Pont cassé platform, LNP; C. G. baka sp. nov., ♂, holotype, AD.2023.07.18.18, Mambele village, LNP.  Not to scale.

Additional species of Glauconycteris recorded in Cameroon, illustrating broader variation in size and pelage across the genus. Species order follows Table 1.
A. Glauconycteris superba, ♂, Mes 26, Mba’a village, DBR; B. G. gleni, ♂, (subadult), AD.2024.22.05.222, Yenga fishing site, LNP; C. G. variegata, ♂, AD.2024.Z73, Zega village, LNP;
D. G. argentata, ♂, Mbouroukou école publique, Mount Manengouba National Park; E. G. curryae, ♂, AD.2023.11.25.181, Pont cassé platform, LNP. The focal, closely related species are illustrated at larger scale in Fig. 3. Not to scale.

 

Glauconycteris baka sp. nov.  

Etymology. The species is named in honour of the Baka people, who live in and around LNP, and who have a close relationship with the forest and its wildlife. The name was discussed with members of the local community, including through park rangers, and was positively received, with community members expressing pride in the association. The proposed French name is ‘Chauve-souris papillon Baka’ and the proposed English name is ‘Baka butterfly bat’.

Glauconycteris lobeke sp. nov. 

Etymology. The species is named after Lobéké National Park, where the individuals were captured. We wish to draw attention to the important role the park can play in protecting a highly diverse fauna of Congolian forest bats, including new and rare species. The proposed French name is ‘Chauve-souris papillon de Lobéké’ and the proposed English name is ‘Lobéké butterfly bat’.

 Aicha Gomeh-Djame, Paul J. J. Bates, Javier Juste, Marcela Suarez-Rubio, Laura Torrent, Juan Luis García-Mudarra, Eugenie Agodigo Ayangma, Félécité Yettore, Charles Félix Bilong Bilong and Eric-Moise Bakwo-Fils. 2026. An Integrated Taxonomic and Conservation Assessment of Glauconycteris (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) in Cameroon, with the Description of Two New Species from the Northwestern Congolian Lowland Forest. ZooKeys. 1282: 161-204. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1282.183038 [15 Jun 2026]

[PaleoMammalogy • 2026] Miyumba chrisdickmani • A New Genus of dasyurid (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae) from the Early Miocene Deposits of the Riversleigh World Heritage Area, north-western Queensland

 

Miyumba chrisdickmani

 Churchill, Archer, Hand & Farman, 2026 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1071/AZ26024

Artist reconstruction by Neville Garden

 

This study describes Miyumba chrisdickmani gen. et sp. nov., a new genus and species of dasyurid (Marsupialia, Dasyuridae) from Early Miocene deposits of the Riversleigh World Heritage Area in north-western Queensland. This taxon, similar in size to extant species of Antechinus and Sminthopsis (23–33.5 g), is the oldest and most plesiomorphic member of the family Dasyuridae. Character analysis identifies one new lower dental synapomorphy for Dasyuridae that previously lacked any dental synapomorphies uniting the family. Parsimony and Bayesian phylogenetic analysis supports the placement of M. chrisdickmani as the sister taxon to all other dasyurids. These analyses also recover the diminutive Mayigriphus orbus from early Late Miocene deposits of Riversleigh either as a sminthopsine dasyurid or as the second most plesiomorphic member of the family after M. chrisdickmani. Joculusium muizoni from Riversleigh’s Middle Miocene deposits was recovered outside Dasyuridae as a sister taxon by both phylogenetic analyses. Urrayira whitei was recovered by both analyses as a member of the dasyurid genus Planigale, whereas Antechinus yuna and Antechinus yammal were supported as species of Antechinus. Morphological similarity of M. chrisdickmani to extant dasyurids from New Guinea suggests a possible close phylogenetic relationship between these lineages and may represent yet another remnant New Guinean group of rainforest-adapted marsupials that had its origins in the Miocene rainforests of Riversleigh.

Keywords: Dasyuridae, dasyuromorphia, dentition, fossil, Marsupialia, Miyumba, palaeontology, phylogenetics, Riversleigh, systematics

 Miyumba chrisdickmani sp. nov. holotype left dentary QM F62121 shown as MgO coated photographs (a, e–f) and micro-CT images (b–d, g–h):
(a–b), occlusal stereo pairs; (c) anterior view; (d) posterior view; (e) and (g), buccal views; (f and h), lingual views.

Systematic palaeontology

MAMMALIA Linnaeus 1758 

MARSUPIALIA Illiger 1811sensuBeck et al. (2014) 

DASYUROMORPHIA Gill 1872sensuKealy and Beck (2017) 

DASYURIDAE Goldfuss 1820 

Type species: Dasyurus maculatus Geoffroy 1796.

Revised familial diagnosis: All dasyurids possess a p3 that is absent, reduced, or subequal in length relative to p1 and p2. In addition to these features, dasyurids differ from malleodectids in p2 being narrow, blade-like and smaller in all dimensions relative to m2. In addition to the above features, dasyurids differ from thylacinids in metaconids being present on m1 and not highly reduced on m2-4 (except secondarily in S. harrisii), and from the myrmecobiid, M. fasciatus in possessing an unreduced dentition with deciduous premolars lost in adulthood.

†MIYUMBA gen. nov

 Type species: Miyumba chrisdickmani.

Generic diagnosis: 

The new taxon differs from all other dasyurids in the following combination of lower dental features: p1 reduced so as to be approximately subequal (~10% shorter) in length to p1; p2 longer than p1 and p3; no premolar diastemata present; m1 not reduced compared to m2 and m3; paraconid unreduced on m1; metaconids unreduced on all molars; anterior cingulids present; posterior cingulids present; buccal cingulids well-developed on premolars and molars; preentocristids well-developed; three cusps on m4 talonid; and m4 approximately subequal in length compared to other molars.

...

Etymology: The genus name Miyumba comes from the Waanyi word ‘miyumba’, which describes the land where the Riversleigh World Heritage Area is located.

MIYUMBA CHRISDICKMANI sp. nov. 

 

Species diagnosis: As for genus until more species attributable to Miyumba are discovered.

Etymology: The species name chrisdickmani honours the significant contributions of Professor Chris Dickman to our understanding of the biology of dasyurid marsupials and a plethora of other arid-adapted Australian species.

Artist reconstruction of Miyumba chrisdickmani.

Artwork: Neville Garden

 

Timothy J. Churchill, Michael Archer, Suzanne J. Hand and Roy M. Farman. 2026. A New Genus of dasyurid Miyumba chrisdickmani (Marsupialia, Dasyuridae) from the Early Miocene Deposits of the Riversleigh World Heritage Area, north-western Queensland. Australian Zoologist. 45 (2): AZ26024. DOI: doi.org/10.1071/AZ26024 [17 July 2026]

[Mammalogy • 2026] Colobus congoensis • Likweli: A remarkable New Species of Colobus Monkey from the Lomami National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo

Colobus congoensis  

  J. Hart, Amboko, Arenson, Horton, Coates, Kapale, Koko, T. Hart, Gilbert, Sargis et Detwiler, 2026 

 

Likweli  |  DOI: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0349857

 

Abstract

We describe and name a new species of African monkey, Colobus congoensis sp. nov. (Primates, Cercopithecidae), from the interfluve region of the Lomami and Congo (Lualaba) Rivers in east-central Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Colobus congoensis is a rare and cryptic monkey, poorly known even by local communities bordering its range, some of whom use the vernacular name Likweli for the species. Between 2018 and 2022, 114 field observations were made over an estimated range of 1,700 km2. Colobus congoensis is largely restricted to high, closed canopy forest on deep clay pediments and islands of terra firme forest, where it co-occurs with two other colobine species (Piliocolobus parmentieri and Colobus angolensis). Colobus congoensis was most frequently observed in small groups (mean = 6.2 individuals), often in mixed-species associations. Mitochondrial and morphological data confirm the attribution of C. congoensis to the genus Colobus and reveal that it is the sister to Colobus satanas, from which it is geographically separated by more than 1,200 km. Comparative analysis of C. congoensis vocalizations also reveals structural similarities with C. satanas to the exclusion of other Colobus species. Among other features, C. congoensis is distinguished from C. satanas and other Colobus species by its small size, a striking orange cream patch surrounding the mouth, philtrum, and portions of the inferior nasal alae on an otherwise black face, and a white perianal patch that is covered with fine white hairs in males and is glabrous in females. We propose a preliminary IUCN Red List classification of Endangered (EN) for C. congoensis based on its small range area and population size, coupled with the projected impact of increased hunting pressure and habitat conversion. Protection of Lomami National Park, within which most of the C. congoensis range occurs, and engagement of local communities in not hunting the species are the most important actions needed to ensure the conservation of C. congoensis.

An illustration of Colobus congoensis, whose common name is the local vernacular name, “likweli.”

Illustration: Kimio Honda

Systematics 

Family Cercopithecidae Gray, 1821

Subfamily Colobinae Blyth, 1863

Subtribe Colobina Blyth, 1863

Genus Colobus Illiger, 1811

Colobus congoensis and C. satanas in life.
(A & B) Colobus congoensis, Lomami National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo.
(C & D) C. satanas, Lope National Park, Gabon.

Photo credits:(A) Daniel Rosengren, (B) Bravo Bofenda, (C) Martin Royele/Royele Safaris, (D) Barna Takats. Photos used with permission.

Colobus congoensis J. Hart, Amboko, Arenson, Horton, Coates, Kapale, Koko, T. Hart, Gilbert, Sargis, and Detwiler, sp. nov.  

 

Etymology: The nominal congoensis refers to the species range limited to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Likweli, the vernacular name given to the species by communities bordering its range, is the recommended common name.

Diagnosis and Description: A small, long-tailed Colobus monkey that exhibits little sexual dimorphism in overall pelage coloration. The pelage of the limbs and torso is black. Hair length is longest on the upper shoulders and back (Color 89 in [54]), producing a sheen in some lighting and a cape-like pelt in some individuals. Body hairs are relatively short (~9–12.5 cm long in the male; ~ 6–8 cm long in females at mid-dorsum). The tail is largely black. Older individuals may show gray hairs (Glaucous Colors 79–80 in [54]) along the caudal dorsum and the tail, as seen in YPM MAM 17308, which also exhibits heavily worn dentition in the associated cranium, indicating an advanced age for this individual (Text A and Fig B in S4 File). The single male examined had a small, black terminal tail tuft in the fresh specimen, not seen on the two females. The head in both sexes is framed by long black hairs (~4–6 cm) on the forehead and sides of the face. The dark glabrous face is marked in both males and females by ...

  

John A. Hart, Junior D. Amboko, Julia L. Arenson, Emma R. Horton, Kathryn F. Coates, Jean-Pierre I. Kapale, Mardoché B. Koko, Terese B. Hart, Christopher C. Gilbert, Eric J. Sargis and Kate M. Detwiler. 2026. Likweli: A remarkable New Species of Colobus Monkey from the Lomami National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo. PLoS One. 21(7): e0349857. DOI: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0349857 [July 15, 2026]

[Mammalogy • 2026] Revalidation of Manis aurita based on integrative genomic and morphological evidence

 

Manis aurita Hodgson, 1836

in Koju, Zeng, Zhang, Yao, Huang, Wang, Hawkins, Hinckley, Flores, Guo, Li, Maharjan, Byanjankar, Huang, Yu, Leng, He, Feijó et Hua, 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s42003-026-10314-9

Abstract

Pangolins face severe conservation threats globally, necessitating accurate taxonomy for effective conservation. Previous genomic research on the Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) identified two deeply divergent lineages (MPA and MPB), suggesting underestimated species diversity. The recent description of M. indoburmanica (corresponding to MPB), however, did not assess its relationship with historical names, particularly the subspecies M. p. aurita, leaving the group’s taxonomic status uncertain. To resolve this issue, we employed an integrative framework, analyzing genomic and morphological data from museum specimens including the lectotype of M. p. aurita to clarify phylogenetic relationships and taxonomy within M. pentadactyla sensu lato. Our results demonstrate that MPB, which includes both M. indoburmanica and M. p. aurita, is geographically restricted to the southern Himalayas and thus distinct from other M. pentadactyla populations. Genomic analyses indicate the two clades diverged ~1.8 Ma and have remained largely isolated, with only minimal gene flow with congeners. Furthermore, morphometric analyses of both cranial and external features reveal consistent and significant differentiation between the Himalayan lineage (MPB) and M. pentadactyla sensu stricto. Collectively, these congruent findings provide unequivocal support for the revalidation of Manis aurita Hodgson, 1836, thereby establishing it as a distinct extant species of Asian pangolin.

Manis aurita Hodgson, 1836

 

 

Narayan Prasad Koju, Zeling Zeng, Guihua Zhang, Zhicheng Yao, Xia Huang, Xiaoyun Wang, Melissa T. R. Hawkins, Arlo Hinckley, Mary Faith C. Flores, Ce Guo, Jun Li, Devendra Maharjan, Saraswoti Byanjankar, Lianghua Huang, Wenhua Yu, Liang Leng, Kai He, Anderson Feijó and Yan Hua. 2026. Revalidation of Manis aurita based on integrative genomic and morphological evidence. Communications Biology. 9: 770. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s42003-026-10314-9 [01 July 2026]

  

[PaleoMammalogy • 2026] Paludocyon moyasolai • A New Species of Paludocyon (Carnivora: Amphicyonidae) from the early Middle Miocene of els Casots (Vallès-Penedès Basin, Barcelona, Spain)

 

Paludocyon moyasolai 

Morales, Abella, Valenciano, Gamarra, Robles, Gregori, Alba & Casanovas-Vilar, 2026  

 DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s10914-026-09814-6 

illustration by Jesús Gamarra    x.com/Gamarraptor

Abstract

The early Middle Miocene (15.9 Ma) site of els Casots (Vallès-Penedès Basin, Catalonia, Spain) has yielded a rich vertebrate assemblage, including abundant carnivoran remains that mostly remain unpublished. Here we describe a new species of the amphicyonid genus Paludocyon based on a compressed cranium with well-preserved teeth and an isolated lower molar (m2) from els Casots. Paludocyon moyasolai sp. nov., included in the subfamily Amphicyoninae, is characterized by a notably enlarged M2, which is buccolingually broader than the M1, and by a the relatively large size of the M3, both traits being absent in other species of Paludocyon. A phylogenetic analysis, conducted on European and North American species assigned to Cynelos and Paludocyon, indicates that Cynelos is paraphyletic but supports the monophyly of Paludocyon, with the new species being recovered as its basal-most member.

 

Keywords: Amphicyoninae, Europe, Iberian Peninsula, Paleobiogeography, Phylogeny

Systematic Paleontology

Order Carnivora Bowdich, 1821

Family Amphicyonidae Trouessart, 1885

Subfamily Amphicyoninae Trouessart, 1885

Tribe Amphicyonini Trouessart, 1885

Paludocyon moyasolai sp. nov. from els Casots.
 a–f. Cranium, IPS10156, holotype: a. lateral left view; b. ventral part; c. left P4–M3 (stereo pair) in occlusal view; d. right P2 in lingual view and the left P3–M2 in buccal view; e. isolated right M1 in occlusal view; f. isolated right M2 in occlusal view.
g–i. Left m2, IPS11438, paratype, stereo pairs in occlusal (g), buccal (h), and lingual (i) views.

All specimens are depicted to the same scale except scale bars in a equal 10 cm, scale bar in b-i equal 5 cm

Paludocyon moyasolai sp. nov.

Type locality: els Casots, Catalonia, Spain.

Age and distribution: Aragonian subzone Cb (MN5), earliest Middle Miocene (~ 15.9 Ma), only known from the type locality.

Diagnosis: Medium-sized species of Paludocyon; P4 with reduced protocone; robust M1 with lingual platform reduced; M2 buccolingually broader than M1, with metacone smaller than paracone; M3 large and with well-defined trigone cuspids; m2 with a robust trigonid, protoconid and metaconid almost of the same height, protoconid with a weak basal buccal widening, short talonid of similar width as the trigonid, and large hypoconid occupying the buccal area of the talonid basin.

Etymology: Species epithet dedicated to Salvador Moyà-Solà, in recognition of his wonderful contribution to the development of European paleomastology (see review in Alba 2025).

Paludocyon moyasolai sp. nov. from els Casots, Spain. Reconstructed life appearance of the head and neck (illustration by Jesús Gamarra)

 

Jorge Morales, Juan Abella, Alberto Valenciano, Jesús Gamarra, Josep M. Robles, Maria Gregori, David M. Alba and Isaac Casanovas-Vilar. 2026. A New Species of Paludocyon (Carnivora: Amphicyonidae) from the early Middle Miocene of els Casots (Vallès-Penedès Basin, Barcelona, Spain).  Journal of Mammalian Evolution. 33, 29. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s10914-026-09814-6   [06 June 2026]

  x.com/Gamarraptor/status/2064277680023888311

[Mammalogy • 2026] Coendou sangay • A New Species of Coendou (Rodentia: Erethizontidae) within the Hyper-diverse Mammalian Community of Sangay National Park in Ecuador

 

Coendou sangay Brito, 

in Brito​, Curay, León-Caldas, Lojan-Cueva, Ojala-Barbour, Pozo-Zamora, Simba, Tito, Vargas, Vega-Yánez et Batallas, 2026. 

Sangay Porcupine | Puerco espín de Sangay  ||  DOI:  doi.org/10.7717/peerj.21382

Abstract 

The tropical Andes harbor high levels of undocumented biodiversity, often hidden within complex ecological communities that require sustained sampling efforts to be fully characterized. Here, we describe a new species of porcupine of the genus Coendou, discovered within the hyper-diverse mammalian assemblage of Sangay National Park (Sangay) in Ecuador. The description is based on an adult specimen collected at 2,400 m on the eastern slopes of the Andes. Phylogenetic analyses using mitochondrial Cytochrome b (Cytb) place the new species as a distinct lineage within the Clade B (sensu (Voss, Hubbard & Jansa, 2013)), showing significant genetic divergence (p-distance > 6.0%) from its closest congeners, C. speratus, C. nycthemera and C. bicolor. Morphologically, Coendou sangay sp. nov. is diagnosed by its medium body size, a remarkably short tail (approx. 26% of head-and-body length), tricolored bristle-quills with brownish-red tips, and distinct cranial features, including a long nasal bone and a mesopterygoid fossa that does not reach the second upper molar. This discovery is contextualized within a comprehensive mammalian inventory of Sangay, compiled over 15 years of fieldwork. Despite an intensive sampling effort totaling 12,800 trap-nights and 2,400 camera-trap days, only a single specimen was obtained, highlighting the species status as a rare, canopy-dwelling specialist. We report 170 mammal species within the park, including 18 endemic and 35 threatened taxa. With a richness of 0.03 species per km2, Sangay ranks as the most mammal-diverse protected area per unit area in the Tropics. Our results demonstrate that intensive, long-term inventories are essential for identifying cryptic arboreal lineages that remain “invisible” to traditional terrestrial sampling. Finally, we emphasize the urgent need for conservation policies, including the strengthening of biological corridors and the limitation on road and mining expansion, to safeguard this high-elevation biodiversity hotspot.

Keywords: Eastern Andes, Cloud forest, Rare species, Biodiversity hotspot, Species delimitation

Systematic

Family Erethizontidae Bonaparte, 1845

Genus Coendou Lacépède, 1799

Coendou sangay new species. Brito

Coendou rufescens: Brito & Ojala-Barbour (2016), not Coendou rufescens (Gray, 1865)

Coendou rufescens: Batallas & Brito (2022), not Coendou rufescens (Gray, 1865)

Sangay Porcupine, Puerco espín de Sangay (in Spanish)

Diagnosis. Coendou sangay sp. nov. is distinguished from other species of the genus by its medium-sized body (HBL 460 mm) and very small tail (26% LT/HBL), absence of long fur, tricolored bristle-quills (with brownish red tips), spiny ventral fur, and a unique combination of cranial features, including a long nasal bone (35% LN/CIL), constricted maxillary bony bridge, and a mesopterygoid fossa that does not reach M2.

Coendou sangay sp. nov. (MECN 4343, holotype).
 (A) External appearance of the adult female alive in its natural habitat in the Sangay, Ecuador; (B) lateral and (C) posterior view of the revealing an aposematic coloration.

 Photographs by J. Brito.

Selected external and soft anatomical features of Coendou sangay sp. nov. (MECN 4343, holotype).
Ventral view of the hand (A), and of the foot (B); detail of the muzzle (C); perineal region (D), and ventral view of the tail (E).

 Abbreviations: a = anus, v = vagina. Photographs by J. Brito.

Etymology: This species is named in honor of Sangay National Park, which is the largest Andean national park in Ecuador. The park includes a large elevation gradient along the eastern slopes, or Eastern Cordillera, of the Andes and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park gets its name from Sangay, one of Ecuador’s most active volcanoes, which is located within its boundaries.

Field expedition to Guabisai (A), Cubillines (B), and sampling and collecting in the area (C, D).

Photographs of J. Brito (A, C, D), and G. Pozo (B).

Jorge Brito​, Jenny Curay, Víctor León-Caldas, Pamela Lojan-Cueva, Reed Ojala-Barbour, Glenda Pozo-Zamora, Laura Simba, Paul Tito, Rocío Vargas, Mateo A. Vega-Yánez and Diego Batallas. 2026. Discovery of A New Species of Coendou (Rodentia: Erethizontidae) within the Hyper-diverse Mammalian Community of Sangay National Park in Ecuador. PeerJ. 14:e21382 DOI:  doi.org/10.7717/peerj.21382 [June 8, 2026]