Carnivoran mammals fossil unearthed in Himalaya could reveal new details about animal evolution

A team of researchers, including Dr. Steven Jasinski from Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU), has published a new study on fossilized carnivoran mammals discovered in the Himalayan foothills of northern India.

Dr. Jasinski, a faculty member in HU’s Department of Environmental Science & Sustainability, collaborated with scientists from the Palaeo Research Society and Palaeo Museum, the University of Sialkot, and the University of the Punjab to examine newly discovered fossils dating from approximately 10 to 4 million years ago. The findings, published in the Journal of Mammalian Evolution, contribute valuable insights to our understanding of ancient carnivorous mammals.

The study was led by Dr. Anek R. Sankhyan of the Palaeo Research Society and Palaeo Museum, with co-authors Dr. Sayyed Ghyour Abbas from the University of Sialkot, and Dr. Muhammad Akbar Khan and Dr. Khalid Mahmood from the University of the Punjab, alongside Dr. Jasinski.

The fossils were uncovered in the Siwalik region, also known as the Siwalik Group, a mountainous area that forms part of the outer Himalayas and spans Pakistan, India, Nepal, and Bhutan. This area has long been known for its rich deposits of fossilized mammals dating from around 18 million to 1 million years ago. These deposits include a wide variety of species such as artiodactyls (like bovids and giraffes), perissodactyls (such as horses and rhinos), proboscideans (including ancient elephants), as well as rodents, primates, and carnivorans. The recent study zeroed in on carnivorous mammals—including martens, wolverines, civets, and cats—especially those found in the Haritalyangar region of northern India.

The newly discovered fossil specimens include remains of mustelids, viverrids, and felids (cats). Mustelids—such as ferrets and weasels—are currently found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. Viverrids, which include small to medium-sized carnivores like civets and genets, inhabit regions of Africa, southern Asia, and southern Europe.

The fossil finds consist of a partial skull, jaws, and teeth. Among them, the research team identified the first known upper jaw of the rare mustelid species Martes lydekkeri, as well as rare remains of a small prehistoric feline. The team also introduced two previously unknown species: one mustelid and one viverrid.

The newly named mustelid, Circamustela bhapralensis, represents the first occurrence of this genus in the Indian subcontinent. It’s also the youngest known species of its kind, with older relatives previously found in Europe. This suggests that the genus migrated from Europe to the outer Himalayas just over 5 million years ago, adapting over time to develop a smaller body size. This new species was roughly the size of a modern ferret, with an estimated weight between 1 and 2 kilograms.

The second new species, a viverrid named Vishnuictis plectilodous, features complex teeth that indicate a more diverse diet than its more carnivorous relatives. Remarkably, this species may be the largest viverrid ever identified, possibly reaching the size of a leopard and weighing more than 100 kilograms.

These newly uncovered fossils are offering a clearer picture of what the ecosystems at the foot of the Himalayas looked like roughly 5 million years ago,” explained Dr. Jasinski. “Our work not only enhances our understanding of Earth’s past biodiversity but also sheds light on how our planet has evolved over time. This knowledge is key to anticipating how current and future environmental changes may unfold. By studying the past, we gain crucial insight into the future.”

These fossil discoveries date back to a period of significant environmental shifts in the region, marked by a global cooling trend that influenced mammalian carnivores along with other species of plants and animals.

“With the inclusion of species previously known only from Europe and the discovery of two new carnivoran species, we now see that the region’s mammalian diversity and classification are more intricate than we had assumed,” said Dr. Sayyed Ghyour Abbas from the University of Sialkot. “This points to possible migration routes and direct links between Europe and Asia during the Late Miocene, around 10 to 5 million years ago.

These ancient food chains and ecosystems were more elaborate than previously thought. Understanding these interactions will provide valuable insight into how changes—especially climate-related ones—impacted them, ultimately aiding present-day conservation strategies.”

The research team is optimistic that further fossil discoveries, continued excavation, and in-depth analysis will offer a more complete understanding of this pivotal period in Earth's history. The fossil record, which captures life over the past 4.5 billion years, remains an essential tool for forecasting the future. “By applying our knowledge of the past to anticipate future trends,” explains Dr. Jasinski, “we can take proactive steps to mitigate those future outcomes and use that insight to help preserve our ecosystems for generations to come.”