In a groundbreaking study published in Scientific Reports, paleontologists have identified a new mole species, Vulcanoscaptor ninoti, based on an exceptionally well-preserved fossil found at the Pliocene-aged site of Camp dels Ninots in Girona, Spain. The fossil, which dates back 3.25 million years, offers invaluable insights into the evolutionary history of moles, revealing not only anatomical features that challenge previous assumptions but also suggesting far-reaching implications for their geographic distribution. This discovery, as detailed in the Scientific Reports article (Linares-Martín et al., 2025), changes how we view the fossil record of small mammals, particularly moles, and raises new questions about their evolutionary history and mobility.
A Rare Fossil: The Discovery of Vulcanoscaptor Ninoti
The fossil of Vulcanoscaptor ninoti was unearthed in 2010 at the Camp dels Ninots site in Girona, Spain, an area well-known for its rich fossil deposits from the Pliocene epoch. The specimen’s preservation is extraordinary, providing a glimpse into the ancient world of small mammals like moles. Dr. Marc Furió, a researcher at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and the Institut Català de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont (IPHES-CERCA), commented, “This specimen preserves the mandible with a complete dentition, part of the torso, and several bones from both the forelimbs and hindlimbs, many of them still in anatomical connection.” This remarkable preservation makes Vulcanoscaptor ninoti one of the most complete fossil moles ever discovered in Europe.
Small mammal fossils, particularly those from species such as moles, are often poorly preserved due to their fragile nature and the delicate ecosystems they inhabit. This fossil stands out because it provides more than just a few bones or teeth; it offers a nearly complete skeletal structure. As Dr. Furió pointed out, “The exceptional state of preservation is extremely rare in small mammals such as moles and makes this specimen one of the oldest and most complete ever found in Europe.” This level of preservation allows scientists to study the animal’s physiology in unparalleled detail, unlocking a wealth of information about its evolutionary past.
Advancements in Technology: MicroCT Scanning
One of the most significant aspects of this discovery is the use of cutting-edge technology to examine the fossil. Paleontologists employed micro-computed tomography (microCT) scanning to analyze the fossil in high detail without causing damage to the delicate bones. “With the microCT, we were able to analyze extremely small and delicate structures — such as phalanges and teeth — that would have been nearly impossible to study otherwise,” said Dr. Adriana Linares, a researcher at IPHES-CERCA. This allowed the team to identify unique anatomical features of the mole, which were then incorporated into a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis.
By using this advanced scanning technique, paleontologists were able to reconstruct a three-dimensional image of the fossil’s skeleton. This digital reconstruction revealed important clues about the mole’s behavior and ecology. The detailed analysis also contributed to a better understanding of the evolutionary relationships among moles, a group of animals whose fossil record is often fragmented or incomplete.
Anatomical Features and Evolutionary Insights
The analysis of the fossil’s anatomy has provided fascinating new insights into the evolution of talpids, the family of moles. The structure of the Vulcanoscaptor ninoti fossil suggests that it was highly adapted to a subterranean lifestyle. Dr. Linares explained, “The humerus is particularly robust, with prominent crests and extensive areas for muscle attachment, while the phalanges suggest strong digging capabilities.” These features are typical of moles, which rely on their strong forelimbs to dig tunnels and burrows.
However, the fossil’s preservation in lacustrine (lake) sediments and its lateral positioning raise intriguing possibilities about the mole’s behavior. “The fact that this individual was preserved in lacustrine sediments and in a lateral position raises the possibility that it may also have had some aquatic locomotion abilities,” Dr. Linares noted. While not yet confirmed, this suggests that Vulcanoscaptor ninoti might have been capable of swimming, a trait seen in some modern mole species. This possibility challenges the conventional view of moles as purely fossorial (burrowing) animals, suggesting a more complex lifestyle than previously thought.
Implications for Paleogeography: A More Dynamic Evolutionary History
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of this discovery is its implication for the evolutionary history and paleogeography of moles. Vulcanoscaptor ninoti is part of the Scalopini tribe, which today is primarily found in North America and parts of Asia. Dr. Furió emphasized, “The description of Vulcanoscaptor ninoti confirms that the evolutionary history of moles has been far more dynamic than previously thought, involving possible intercontinental dispersals and an underappreciated anatomical diversity.” This discovery suggests that moles were not confined to their modern habitats but instead may have undergone transcontinental migrations in the past.
This challenges the long-held assumption that moles have low dispersal capacities and were largely restricted to local regions. Instead, the presence of a mole species like Vulcanoscaptor ninoti in Europe suggests that these animals might have been capable of traveling across continents, adapting to a variety of ecological niches along the way. The study of this fossil provides new evidence that the evolutionary history of moles was far more complex and dynamic than researchers had previously imagined.
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