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Paleontologists Uncover a New Species of Massive Saber-Toothed Tiger

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A novel genus and species of mid-Oligocene nimuravid has been identified from fossil remains unearthed in northern China. This finding enhances our understanding of Nimurabiidae in eastern Eurasia.

Reimagining the life of Taotienimravus songi in a Chinese painting style. Image credit: Yuefeng Song.

Taotienimravus songi inhabited what is now China during the mid-Oligocene period, around 28 million years ago.

This ancient species is part of the Nimuravidae family, an extinct group of saber-toothed hypercarnivores, often referred to as pseudosaber-toothed cats.

“Carnivora demonstrates the broadest range in body sizes among mammals, with the smallest weasel weighing roughly 50 g. Pinnipeds average over 3 tons,” stated Dr. Qigao Jiangzuo of the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

“With few exceptions, such as the bear family, large terrestrial carnivores, particularly those exceeding 20 kg, generally maintain a macrocarnivorous diet, targeting large prey of similar size or larger.”

“Often called pseudosabertooths, the Nimurabiidae represents one of the earliest diverging lineages within the Carnivora order, noted for their large size, hypercarnivorous craniodental features, and potentially macrocarnivorous behaviors,” the researchers added.

“The earliest fossils from this family, dating back to the mid-Eocene, belonged to highly specialized species exhibiting cat-like craniodental characteristics.”

“Nimuravidae underwent radiation during the Eocene to Oligocene, with the best-preserved specimens found primarily in North America, where numerous skulls and complete skeletons have been discovered.”

“Eurasia also contains numerous fossil remains, though they tend to be poorly preserved.”

“As the first lineage within Carnivora to develop large body sizes, this family is an excellent model for studying the evolution of early large carnivorous niches in an environmental context vastly different from that of today.”

The skeletal remains of Taotienimravus songi were discovered in the Qingshuiying Formation in northern China.

Specimen analysis indicates that this new species uniquely displays non-saber-toothed morphology with bone-cracking adaptations within the Nimuravidae family.

This animal likely engaged in a killing behavior distinct from other feline carnivores, possibly employing a tearing bite akin to that of hyenas.

“The defining characteristics of the new Nimuravid include exceptionally short and robust upper canine teeth along with a notably wide palatal area,” the paleontologists noted.

“The rostrum is exceedingly wide, probably the widest of any known Nimravid.”

“In contrast to many feline carnivores, the premolars do not diminish in size; rather, they increase, eliminating the gap between the canines and cheek teeth.”

“This contrasts with most feline carnivores, which almost invariably exhibit diastema.”

“We interpret this absence of a gap as an indicator of a strong canine bite, allowing for deep penetration into prey.”

Phylogenetic analysis positions Taotienimravus songi within the Nimravinae, creating a sister lineage to those in Europe and North America, such as Nimravus and Dinahelurus.

This clade shares a close relation to the European lineage encompassing Iofelis, Denailictis, and Quercyllus.

“The increase in size within Nimuravidae seems to align with the extinction of another carnivorous group, Oxyaenidae, during the Paleogene,” the researchers stated.

“The initial emergence of large carnivorous traits within the Carnivora order likely reflects competitive interactions driven by ecomorphic dynamics.”

“Nimuravidae effectively occupied ecological niches unavailable to Felidae, probably due to the lack of competition within Carnivora for much of their evolutionary history.”

“This study emphasizes the impact of both abiotic and biotic factors in shaping niche availability for these animals and underscores the need to discuss niche evolution and change within this framework.”

A study detailing this discovery was published on November 26, 2025, in Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

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Qigao Jiangzuo et al. 2025. A new ecomorph of the Nimravidae and the exploration of early large carnivores within the order Carnivora. Proc Biol Sci 292 (2059): 20251686; doi: 10.1098/rspb.2025.1686

Source: www.sci.news

First-ever examination of a frozen mummy of a Saber-toothed tiger dating back 35,000 years

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Attention all ‘Ice Age’ enthusiasts: New research has uncovered the preserved remains of a 35,000-year-old saber-toothed cat which have been analyzed for the very first time. Published on Thursday in Scientific Reports.

The mummified remains of the animal, including parts of the head, arms, and chest, were unearthed in Yakutia, Russia, in 2020 in remarkably good condition, and were determined to belong to a three-week-old baby, as per the study findings.

The most distinct features of the cub were its small ears, long neck and forearms, dark brown fur, and wide mouth, according to the researchers. Comparison with modern lion cubs of the same age suggests that these cat mummies are part of the Machairodontinae subfamily, specifically the Homotherium genus – a cat with sharply curved saber teeth that thrived in North America and Europe between 12 million and 10,000 years ago.

A. shows a frozen mummy and B. shows the remains of a modern lion cub, Panthera leo (Linnaeus, 1758).Lopatin, AV, Sotnikova, MV, Klimovsky, AI, and others

Based on the study, the Homotherium cat’s ears were positioned higher on the skull and its mouth opening was 11-19% larger compared to modern lion cubs. Additionally, the neck was described as “longer and more than twice as thick” than that of present-day felines.

For those who enjoy the Ice Age film series, the depiction of saber-toothed cats might seem familiar. The character Diego, a saber-toothed tiger, shares similarities with the 35,000-year-old baby tiger.

This study marks the first investigation of this kind of site.

“For the first time in paleontological history, the characteristics of an extinct mammal with no modern counterparts have been examined,” noted the study authors.

Attempts to reach the study’s corresponding author for comment were unsuccessful at the time of publication.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Could Scientists Soon Revive the Tasmanian Tiger? Is Concern Necessary?

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Scientists in the United States and Australia are working on bringing back the Tasmanian tiger nearly a century after their extinction. They believe that with new DNA technology and Tasmanian tiger fossils, the animal could be reintroduced into the wild.

Researchers are collaborating with Colossal Biosciences to develop a plan to revive the Tasmanian tiger. They aim to address ecological issues and consider the potential impact of resurrecting an extinct species.

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What was the Tasmanian Tiger?

The Tasmanian tiger, also known as the Tasmanian possum, resembled dogs and wolves in many ways. Its official name, Thylacine, means “dog-headed pouched animal” when translated. Despite its dog-like appearance, the marsupial was comparable in size to a golden retriever, including its long tail.

However, human misunderstanding and hunting led to the extinction of the Tasmanian tiger, with the last known species dying in a Tasmanian zoo in 1936.

Why would they want it back…?

Colossal Biosciences believes that reintroducing the Tasmanian tiger could have positive impacts on the ecosystem. Predators like the Tasmanian tiger could help control population levels of other species and prevent diseases from spreading.

Researchers suggest that the presence of Tasmanian tigers could have prevented the decline of the Tasmanian devil population, which is currently facing extinction due to facial tumor disease.

…and how?

Scientists are using DNA technology to recreate the genetic structure of the Tasmanian tiger using samples from related species. By comparing DNA sequences and making genetic edits, they hope to reconstruct the Tasmanian tiger’s genome and potentially bring it back to life.

While challenges remain in transitioning revived species from the lab to the wild, researchers are optimistic about the project’s progress.

Are we all doomed?

The implications of reintroducing extinct species like the Tasmanian tiger are still unknown. Scientists are cautious about the potential consequences on existing ecosystems and the behavior of revived animals in the wild.

Further research and monitoring will be crucial to understanding the impact of reviving extinct species and reintroducing them to their natural habitats.

What animals might come back next?

Colossal Biosciences is also working on reviving other extinct species, such as the dodo and woolly mammoth. These projects pose similar ethical and ecological challenges, but researchers are hopeful about the potential benefits of bringing back these ancient creatures.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Paleontologists say that crocodiles and tiger sharks preyed on Miocene dugongs

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Paleontologists have unearthed the 20-million-year-old fossil skeleton of a species of sirenian mammal from the dugong family. Cleavage Shark and crocodile bite marks have been found in northwestern Venezuela. The most prominent bite marks are from deep, dragging tooth impacts concentrated on the snout of the animals. Researchers interpret this as the result of active predation, as they are similar to bite marks made by crocodiles when they grab and roll their prey. Moreover, shark bite marks can be observed throughout Venezuela. CleavageThe skeleton of Tiger shark (Galeocerdo Aduncus) The teeth associated with this skeleton.

Tiger sharks are congregating to make easy catches of larger prey as crocodiles attack ancient dugong-like siren mammals. CleavageImage courtesy of Jaime Bran Sarmiento.

“Our discovery adds to the growing evidence that food chains millions of years ago worked in a similar way to how they do today,” said Dr Aldo Benitez Palomino, a paleontologist at the institute. University of Zurich.

“Today, when we observe predators in the wild, we often find dead prey, indicating that the animal also served as a food source for other animals. However, the fossil record of this is rare.”

“It was unclear which animals would serve this purpose as a food source for multiple predators.”

“Our previous research has confirmed that several shark species scavenge sperm whale carcasses, and this new study highlights the importance of sea cows in the food chain.”

Evidence for food web interactions is abundant in the fossil record, but most of it is represented by fragmentary fossils that provide ambiguous meaning.

Therefore, it is often difficult to distinguish between active feeding and signs of saprophytic activity.

“Our results are one of the few to document multiple predators on a single prey and provide a glimpse into food webs in the region during the Miocene,” Dr Benitez-Palomino said.

The dugong specimen studied by the team was collected from an outcrop of the Agua Clara Formation, south of the city of Coro, Venezuela.

The fossil is closely related to a species of sirenian in the dugong family. Cleavage.

“We first heard about the site through word of mouth from local farmers who noticed some unusual 'rocks'. We were intrigued and decided to investigate,” said Professor Marcelo Sánchez-Vilagra from the University of Zurich.

“Initially, we weren't familiar with the geology of the site, and the first fossil we unearthed was just part of a skull.”

“It took us a while to identify what it was – very strange looking remains of a sea cow.”

“By studying geological maps and examining the sediments at the new site, we were able to determine the age of the rocks in which the fossils were found.”

“One of the factors that allowed us to observe evidence of aquatic mammal predation, which is known to exist in this region, is the extremely well-preserved cortical layer of the fossil, which is likely due to the fine sediment in which the fossil was embedded.”

“After locating the fossils, our team organized a paleontological rescue operation, employing extraction techniques with full case protection.”

“A team of five people was involved in working on the fossil, and the job took about seven hours.”

“The subsequent preparations, particularly the meticulous task of preparing and repairing the skull, took several months.”

Team Survey results Published in Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.

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Aldo Benitez Palomino othersTrophic interactions between sharks and crocodiles and Sirenia in the Miocene of Venezuela. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontologyy, published online August 28, 2024, doi: 10.1080/02724634.2024.2381505

Source: www.sci.news

Recent study uncovers prehistoric salmon with fang-like teeth akin to a “saber-toothed tiger”

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An extinct species of giant salmon called Oncorhynchus lastrosus They boasted a pair of front teeth that protruded like fangs from the sides of their mouths, according to new research.

Oncorhynchus lastrosus: (A) CT model of the holotype. (B) Holotype seen from the front of the skull, before complete preparation and CT scanning. (C) Artist-rendered male iconic fish skull with accurate spike-tooth configuration. (D) Artist's rendering of a complete female iconic fish with precise spike tooth configuration. Scale bar blocks – 1 cm each.Image credit: Clairson other., doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300252.

Oncorhynchus lastrosus It lived along the Pacific coast of North America (California, Oregon, and Washington) about 11 million to 5 million years ago.

This extinct species was first described in the 1970s from fossils discovered in the freshwater Gateway locality of the Madras Formation near the town of Gateway, Jefferson County, Oregon.

The fish was 2.4 to 2.7 meters (7.9 to 8.9 feet) long and weighed, by some estimates, close to 177 kilograms (400 pounds), making it the largest known member of its family. Salmonidae To live forever.

This species migrated from the Pacific Ocean to inland rivers to spawn, much like salmon today. And it was placophagous based on its numerous gill rakes and few small teeth.

but Oncorhynchus lastrosus It had two upper teeth, 2–3 cm (0.8–1.2 in) long.

Initially, paleontologists thought that these oversized teeth were oriented backwards in the mouth, like fangs, mainly because the tooth fossils were found separated from the rest of the skull. was. This led to the common name “saber-toothed tiger.”

However, through new CT scans and various analyses, Oncorhynchus lastrosus Using fossils collected over the years, Professor Kellyn Cresson of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and her colleagues were able to confirm that the fish's teeth did indeed point sideways out of its mouth, like a warthog.

“As a result, this species should be renamed 'spine-toothed salmon,'” the paleontologists said.

“It is unclear exactly what these teeth were used for, but it is likely that they were used for fighting other spiny-toothed salmon, for defense against natural predators, or as tools for digging nests. ”

“It is also possible that the teeth were used for multiple purposes,” the researchers added.

“However, the teeth were probably not used to capture prey. Oncorhynchus lastrosus It is believed that it was a filter feeder that fed on plankton. ”

“We've known for decades that these extinct salmon in Central Oregon were the largest of all time. Discoveries like ours mean they're probably more than just gentle giants. It shows that there was no such thing,” Professor Cresson said.

“The giant spines on the tips of their snouts would have helped them protect themselves from predators, compete with other salmon, and eventually build nests to incubate their eggs.”

“We are pleased to be able to give a new face to the giant spiny salmon and bring knowledge from the Oregon field to the world,” said University of Oregon researcher and director Dr. Edward Davis. Condon Collection, University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History.

“We also emphasize that females and males alike had huge fang-like teeth. So both sexes were equally terrifying,” said Professor Brian Sidlauskas, curator of fishes at Oregon State University. said.

team's result It was published in the magazine PLoS ONE.

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KM watercress other. 2024. From the saber to the spike: Reconstruction of an ancient giant sexually dimorphic Pacific salmon from a new angle. Oncorhynchus lastrosus (Salmonidae: Salmonini). PLoS ONE 19 (4): e0300252; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300252

Source: www.sci.news

Potential Spread of Dengue Fever-Carrying Asian Tiger Mosquitoes to the UK Within Decades | Latest UK Updates

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The Asian tiger mosquito, which carries dengue fever, could be endemic in Britain by mid-century, government health experts say.

In recent years, insects have spread to most of Europe due to the warmer climate, tending to live in urban areas and feed during the day, putting people at greater risk.

They have striped bodies and are known for their ability to spread dengue fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya fever (diseases usually associated with tropical regions).

The UK Health and Safety Agency (UKHSA) fears dengue fever could be transmitted in London by 2060, and mosquitoes themselves could be widespread across the UK by the 2040s.

UKHSA entomologist Jolyon Medlock said surveillance at borders could help slow the spread of mosquitoes, and people should cover standing water and empty containers as the insects lay their eggs to keep mosquitoes away.

Professor Dame Jenny Harries, chief executive of the UKHSA, said: “What was called a tropical disease when I was trained many years ago will actually become a national household disease.”

Officials also said other food- and water-borne infections could become more common, increasing the risk of further pandemics.

The dangers of heatwaves will worsen, flooding will become more severe, and people’s mental health may be adversely affected.

Food prices could also become more volatile, as much of the food the UK imports comes from areas prone to climate impacts such as drought.

Wildfires that produce toxic smoke are also expected to occur more frequently during hotter, drier summers.

Young children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing conditions are most vulnerable to these threats.

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“In the summer of 2022, temperatures in the UK exceeded 40 degrees for the first time on record,” Dame Jenny said.

“Nearly 3,000 excess deaths were recorded during this prolonged heat wave, while many other countries have experienced extreme heat and prolonged heat waves in recent months.

“Using a high emissions scenario, health-related deaths in the UK are estimated to increase by more than 100% in the 2030s, more than 500% in the 2050s and more than 1,000% by 2070.”

read more:
What is dengue fever and how is it spread?
Doctors fear an outbreak could occur in the UK too – and here’s why

The Earth is already 1.2 degrees warmer than pre-industrial levels, and given the amount of carbon in the atmosphere, further warming is already locked in, even if emissions start to fall overnight.

This means some adaptation will be needed, alongside emissions reductions, housing improvements, flood protection and extreme heat warnings, UKHSA said.

Mrs Jenny added: ‘Climate change is an important threat to public health around the world, not only through increased mortality from extreme temperatures and weather impacts, but also through increased spread of infectious diseases and worsened earth system vulnerabilities.”

Source: news.sky.com