Work

Insectivores and rodents (Mammalia) from Ses Fontanelles (Eivissa, Pityusic Islands) and their implications for the Early Pliocene evolution of the endemic faunas in the Western Mediterranean islands

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: In this paper, the small mammal association of Ses Fontanelles (Eivissa, Pityusic Islands, Spain) is described. This assemblage comprises a soricid, Myosorex sp., and two rodents, the gerbillid Protatera salvadori sp. nov., and the glirid Eliomys truci . Myosorex sp. is morphologically close to the Late Miocene and Early Pliocene continental members of this genus, but its size is significantly larger. Protatera salvadori sp. nov. displays a much larger size than any previously described species of Protatera or Debruijnimys , and also differs in some morphological features. The large size of both species is interpreted as a case of insular evolution resulting from prolonged isolation. In contrast, the glirid Eliomys truci displays similar dimensions to the members of this species on the continent, as well as a similar morphology. It is assumed that Myosorex sp. and P. salvadori sp. nov. derived from African representatives of both genera, their presence in Eivissa being a consequence of the new dispersal routes opened between western Europe and northern Africa during the Messinian Salinity Crisis.

Source: Journal of Mammalian Evolution

DOI: 10.1007/s10914-025-09792-1

Authors: Jordi Agustí, Marc Furió, Pedro Piñero, Josep Quintana Cardona

Institutions: Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Institut Català de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolució Social, Institut Català de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Universitat de València

Language: English

Topic: Evolution and Paleontology Studies

Subfield: Paleontology

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,790

OpenAlex ID: W7154456992