Name: Hovasaurus
(Hova lizard).
Phonetic: Ho-vah-sore-us.
Named By: Jean Piveteau - 1926.
Classification: Chordata, Amniota, Sauropsida,
Eosuchia, Tangasauridae.
Species: H. boulei (type).
Diet: Carnivore.
Size: 50 centimetres long.
Known locations: Madagascar - Sakamena Formation.
Time period: Changhsingian of the Permian to Induan
of the Triassic.
Fossil representation: Many specimens are known.
Hovasaurus
was a diapsid reptile that developed special adaptations for an aquatic
lifestyle. The toes of the feet were long and had webbing between
them to make them work as flippers. The caudal vertebrae are extended
up and below to support a vertically flattened tail. This would have
provided a strong method of propulsion while swimming. Skin
impressions of Hovasaurus show reptilian scales as
seen in lizards.
Interestingly,
Hovasaurus
remains have been found to have concentrations of small stones where
their stomachs would be, suggesting that these reptiles swallowed
them in order to increase buoyancy.
Further reading
- Paleontologie de Madagascar, XIII. Amphibiens et reptiles permiens. -
Annales de Pal�ontologie 15:53-180. - J. Piveteau - 1926.
- Hovasaurus boulei, an aquatic eosuchian from the
Upper Permian of
Madagascar, - Palaeontographica Africana 24: 99-168. - P.J. Currie -
1981.
- New reptile material from the Lower Triassic of Madagascar:
implications for the Permian–Triassic extinction event. - Canadian
Journal of Earth Sciences. 44 (1): 1–8. - H. F.Ketchum & P. M.
Barrett - 2004.