Remains of extinct turtle found in eastern Cuba

The discovery of remains referable to the extinct turtle Chelonoidiscubensis, from a cave in Gibara, Holguín, is recorded. The recovered specimens are slightly mineralized.

This constitutes the second report of the species for the paleofauna of the northeastern region of Cuba, writes Luis Mariano Rodríguez Garrido, professor at the Luis MartínezAlmaguer Urban Pre-University Institute (Gibara, Holguín) in the journal NovitatesCaribaea.

This deposit classifies as type B, characterized by developing in karst accidents of caves with the presence of sinkholes, which act as collectors of circulating water, inside which remains of animals that died outside can be found.

This contribution reaffirms the species richness that Cuba's Quaternary ecosystems had.

The wide distribution it had not only in the west, but also in eastern Cuba also confirms the common association of its specimens with those of Antillean sloths. (Source: Juventud Técnica)