Newly Discovered 3.25-Million-Year-Old Mole Species Unveils Evolutionary Insights

In a groundbreaking paleontological discovery, researchers have identified a new genus and species of mole, named **Vulcanoscaptor ninoti**, from a partial skeleton found at the Camp dels Ninots site in Girona, Spain. The fossil, dating back 3.25 million years to the Pliocene epoch, represents one of the oldest and most complete mole fossils ever discovered in Europe. This significant find was made during an excavation project that began in 2010, leading to a deeper understanding of the evolutionary history of moles and their geographical dispersal.

Dr. Marc Furió, a researcher at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and the Institut Català de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont (IPHES-CERCA), noted the exceptional preservation of the specimen, which includes a well-preserved mandible with complete dentition, parts of the torso, and several bones from both forelimbs and hindlimbs. "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," Dr. Furió stated in a press release dated July 15, 2025.

The fossil was embedded in a compact sediment block, and researchers utilized high-resolution micro-computed tomography (microCT) scanning to analyze its structure without causing damage. Dr. Adriana Linares, also from IPHES-CERCA, emphasized the importance of microCT in revealing delicate anatomical features that are critical for phylogenetic analysis. “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,” Dr. Linares explained.

Findings from the analysis suggest that **Vulcanoscaptor ninoti** possessed adaptations for a subterranean lifestyle, characterized by a robust humerus and strong digging capabilities evident in its phalanges. However, the fossil's preservation in lacustrine sediments raises questions about potential aquatic locomotion, a characteristic observed in some modern mole species that are adept swimmers.

Further research indicates that **Vulcanoscaptor ninoti** belongs to the Scalopini tribe of moles, traditionally found in North America and parts of Asia. This discovery signifies a more complex evolutionary narrative than previously understood, challenging assumptions regarding the dispersal capabilities of moles. “Its presence in Europe suggests past transcontinental migrations of moles, challenging the assumption that they are mammals with low dispersal capacity,” Dr. Furió remarked.

The implications of this discovery extend beyond mere classification; it reshapes the understanding of mole evolution and geographical distribution. The research team published their findings in **Scientific Reports**, underscoring the significance of exceptional fossil sites in documenting species that are rarely preserved in the fossil record, particularly small mammals.

This fossil discovery not only highlights the evolutionary history of talpids but also emphasizes the potential for further significant paleontological finds in Europe’s rich sedimentary sites. Future research may uncover more about the ecological roles these ancient moles played and their adaptations to changing environments during the Pliocene epoch. As paleontologists continue to explore and analyze these findings, the evolutionary story of moles and their historical migrations will undoubtedly evolve, offering more insights into the complexity of mammalian evolution.