SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 26th June (EUROPA PRESS) –
In Tenerife, a research team led by paleontologist Carolina Castillo Ruiz from the University of La Laguna has made a remarkable discovery of an articulated lizard belonging to the Gallotia species, estimated to be 700,000 years old. The lizard has undergone scanning and cleaning and is currently housed in the Biology Section of the academic institution, awaiting further examination and presentation at the upcoming national congress dedicated to this field.
This accidental discovery, made a few years ago, occurred when botanist Arnoldo Santos Guerra stumbled upon a block weighing over 20 kilos while searching for snail shells. Within the block, he noticed a bone that piqued his interest, prompting him to contact the paleontologist, who was then actively involved in the funded projects Gallotia 3D and Paleoparque Anaga.
The specimen has remarkably preserved its morphology, allowing a clear view of its skeletal structure. Researchers have also identified the presence of another comparable lizard, possibly younger or smaller, albeit in a poorer state of preservation. Initial hypotheses suggest that the two lizards were situated together in a dune formation, with their demise potentially as a result of an accidental or sudden event, evident from the near-intact bone structures.
This lizard shares striking resemblances with the Gallotia species from El Hierro, although the exact species is yet to be determined pending comprehensive morphological comparisons. Computed tomography scans have already been conducted on the head, severed from the body, to generate a 3D model for comparative analysis with existing species. During the presentation to the rector, Francisco García, the researcher, accompanied by her team, highlighted that the exceptional condition of the specimen provides precise insights into its dimensions without the need for regression lines commonly used in similar cases.
Castillo Ruiz indicated the necessity to conduct a detailed bone-by-bone study to decode the subtle cues revealing its paleobiology. Signs point towards the likelihood of it being a giant Gallotia goliath lizard, an extinct species predating human presence, yet awaiting final confirmation.
IMMENSE PALEONTOLOGICAL TREASURE
The laboratory serves as a vital conservation centre for paleontological heritage, preserving thousands of fossil specimens spanning plants, vertebrates, invertebrates, as well as terrestrial and marine trace fossils associated with research and educational activities in the field of Paleontology at the University of La Laguna.
The collection includes remains of El Hierro lizards dating between 4,000 and 15,000 years ago, featuring jaws with teeth, leg bones, and various meticulously catalogued elements. Exploration was conducted in a total of 26 caves on the island, only one of which has been officially categorised. Increased technical support and research personnel are essential to further the scientific understanding in this domain.
Similar attention is paid to numerous marine specimens, housing trace fossils of significant scientific value such as Santichnus mayoralii. A considerable portion of the material is actively contributing to various undergraduate and doctoral projects undertaken by budding researchers, furthering scientific knowledge in this realm.
