Fascinating Discovery in Portugal
A remarkable snow leopard fossil has been unearthed in Porto de Mós, Portugal, sparking interest among an international team of scientists, including researchers from Portugal.
Credits: envato elements
Insights into Snow Leopard Evolution
The findings, recently published in Science Advances, shed light on the evolution and adaptations of the snow leopard lineage during the last ice age. This research is significant for the conservation of the species, represented in Portugal by the Faculty of Sciences and Technology of the New University of Lisbon.
Traditionally, snow leopards were thought to inhabit only high altitudes in the mountains of Central Asia. However, the study of the partial skeleton—known as the 'Algar da Manga Larga Leopard' and discovered in 2000—challenges this perception. It suggests that snow leopards may prefer steep, rocky terrain and cold climates, without the necessity for high altitudes.
Unique Adaptations
Unlike common leopards, which evolved to hunt agile prey in forested areas, snow leopards possess distinct features suited for taking down robust prey like mountain goats. These adaptations include:
- Larger molars
- Domed skulls
- Stronger jaws and paws
Their survival in barren, rocky environments is attributed to several key adaptations, including:
- Enhanced binocular vision
- A large ectotympanic skull structure for improved hearing
- Powerful limbs for jumping across rocks
- A long tail for balance
Rapid Evolutionary Changes
These adaptations developed quickly during the Quaternary, particularly from the middle Pleistocene (82,800 to 355,000 years ago). Future research aims to delve deeper into the neuroanatomy and paleoecology of the Manga Larga leopard.
PhD student Darío Estraviz-López expressed surprise at finding a member of this lineage in Pleistocene Portugal, highlighting that this discovery was made possible through collaborative research with materials from China.
The snow leopard was classified as a vulnerable species in 2017, following a previous classification as endangered since 1972.
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