In 2017, a hemimandible (MW5-B208), corresponding to the Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis), was found in a stratigraphically-controlled and radio-isotopically-dated sequence of the Melka Wakena paleoanthropological site-complex, on the Southeastern Ethiopian Highlands, ~ 2300 m above sea level. The specimen is the first and unique Pleistocene fossil of this species. Our data provide an unambiguous minimum age of 1.6-1.4 Ma for the species' presence in Africa and constitutes the first empirical evidence that supports molecular interpretations. Currently, C. simensis is one of the most endangered carnivore species of Africa. Bioclimate niche modeling applied to the time frame indicated by the fossil suggests that the lineage of the Ethiopian wolf faced severe survival challenges in the past, with consecutive drastic geographic range contractions during warmer periods. These models help to describe future scenarios for the survival of the species. Projections ranging from most pessimistic to most optimistic future climatic scenarios indicate significant reduction of the already-deteriorating territories suitable for the Ethiopian Wolf, increasing the threat to the specie's future survival. Additionally, the recovery of the Melka Wakena fossil underscores the importance of work outside the East African Rift System in research of early human origins and associated biodiversity on the African continent.

The earliest Ethiopian wolf: implications for the species evolution and its future survival / Martínez-Navarro, Bienvenido; Gossa, Tegenu; Carotenuto, Francesco; Bartolini-Lucenti, Saverio; Palmqvist, Paul; Asrat, Asfawossen; Figueirido, Borja; Rook, Lorenzo; Niespolo, Elizabeth M; Renne, Paul R; Herzlinger, Gadi; Hovers, Erella. - In: COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY. - ISSN 2399-3642. - ELETTRONICO. - 6:(2023), pp. 0-0. [10.1038/s42003-023-04908-w]

The earliest Ethiopian wolf: implications for the species evolution and its future survival

Bartolini-Lucenti, Saverio;Rook, Lorenzo;
2023

Abstract

In 2017, a hemimandible (MW5-B208), corresponding to the Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis), was found in a stratigraphically-controlled and radio-isotopically-dated sequence of the Melka Wakena paleoanthropological site-complex, on the Southeastern Ethiopian Highlands, ~ 2300 m above sea level. The specimen is the first and unique Pleistocene fossil of this species. Our data provide an unambiguous minimum age of 1.6-1.4 Ma for the species' presence in Africa and constitutes the first empirical evidence that supports molecular interpretations. Currently, C. simensis is one of the most endangered carnivore species of Africa. Bioclimate niche modeling applied to the time frame indicated by the fossil suggests that the lineage of the Ethiopian wolf faced severe survival challenges in the past, with consecutive drastic geographic range contractions during warmer periods. These models help to describe future scenarios for the survival of the species. Projections ranging from most pessimistic to most optimistic future climatic scenarios indicate significant reduction of the already-deteriorating territories suitable for the Ethiopian Wolf, increasing the threat to the specie's future survival. Additionally, the recovery of the Melka Wakena fossil underscores the importance of work outside the East African Rift System in research of early human origins and associated biodiversity on the African continent.
2023
6
0
0
Goal 13: Climate action
Goal 15: Life on land
Martínez-Navarro, Bienvenido; Gossa, Tegenu; Carotenuto, Francesco; Bartolini-Lucenti, Saverio; Palmqvist, Paul; Asrat, Asfawossen; Figueirido, Borja;...espandi
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
Martinez et al 2023 ComBiol _ Canis simensis.pdf

accesso aperto

Tipologia: Pdf editoriale (Version of record)
Licenza: Open Access
Dimensione 5.93 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
5.93 MB Adobe PDF

I documenti in FLORE sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificatore per citare o creare un link a questa risorsa: https://hdl.handle.net/2158/1311119
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus 3
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 4
social impact