Underwater Cave Finds in Caribbean Reveal Largest Monkey Fossil Collection Yet

Divers exploring the flooded Cueva Macho in Hispaniola uncovered seven monkey skulls, five jawbones, and other remains of Antillothrix bernensis—the largest monkey fossil collection found on the Dominican island. 3D reconstructions show males and females were similar in size (up to about five pounds) and suggest a fruit-eating diet in small family groups; jaw injuries point to predation by a now-extinct giant owl, offering new insight into the species’ ecology and extinction and informing Caribbean mammal conservation.