Probable Paravian Fossils from the Barremian of Lusitanian Basin: Implications for Early Cretaceous European Theropod Diversity

Fragmentary forelimb elements, including part of an ulna and the proximal region of a humerus, from the lower Barremian Papo-Seco Formation (Areia do Mastro, Cabo Espichel, Sesimbra, Portugal) are described and evaluated in the context of Early Cretaceous maniraptoran diversity. The elements were recovered in proximity within lagoonal–deltaic deposits, suggesting they may belong to a single individual approximately the size of a modern male turkey (Meleagris gallopavo). An additional element, identified as a carpal bone, was recovered from the talus deposits at the cliff. Morphological and size comparisons rule out a volant enantiornithine affinity and instead support assignment to a non-avialan paravian theropod. The combination of a gracile but unspecialized ulna and modest humeral development is consistent with a Paraves indet., maybe an early-branching dromaeosaurid theropod. Given the scarce record of small maniraptorans in Iberia, this material may represent a previously unrecognized basal European lineage. Although insufficient to erect a new taxon, the remains highlight the potential presence of endemic small-bodied maniraptorans in Barremian Iberia.