Saharastega moradiensis

Saharastega is the most primitive Temnospondyl from Gondwana related to the Edopoidea, a group that flourished during the Late Carboniferous.

Saharastega lived during the Upper Permian Period and was discovered in the Moradi formation, Northwestern Niger. It is suggested that along with Nigerpeton, Saharastega is the most primitive known temnospondyli and estimated at a length of 1.8 metres (5.9 feet). The rocks entombing Saharastega suggest an aquatic habitat with evidence of an oasis.

Name

Saharastega moradiensis

Authority

Sidor, O'Keefe, Damiani, Steyer, Smith, Larsson, Sereno, Ide and Maga, 2005

Meaning of generic name

Sahara, for the Sahara Desert, and stege (Greek), meaning roof

Meaning of specific name

Moradi, the formation from which the fossil was recovered, and ending -ensis (Latin), referring to place or locality or other of sth’s origin or habitat.

Size

Skull length: 45 cm , Length: .

Remains

Holotype (MNN MOR73): nearly complete skull lacking lower jaws.

Referred materials: [none so far?]

Age and Distribution

Horizon: Moradi Formation (Izégouandane Group, Izégouandane Basin), Upper Permian (Wuchiapingian).

Locality: 20 km west of Arlit, north-central Niger.

Classification

Temnospondyli

Further Reading

Sidor, C. A., F. R. O’Keefe, R. Damiani, J.-S. Steyer, R. M. H. Smith, H. C. E. Larsson, P. C. Sereno, O. Ide, and A. Maga. 2005. Permian tetrapods from the Sahara show climate-controlled endemism in Pangaea. Nature 434:886–889.

Damiani, R., C.A. Sidor, J.-S. Steyer, R.M.H. Smith, F.R. O'Keefe, H.C.E. Larsson, A. Maga, O. Ide. The vertebrate fauna of the Upper Permian of Niger—V, The primitive temnospondyl Saharastega moradiensis. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology 26: 559-572