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Bats are a highly diversified order of mammals found all over the world; however, their population size and distribution are decreasing rapidly in Europe nowadays. The study of ancient bat populations by means of their fossil record is a valuable source of contextual information for modern bat conservation studies. This paper is a comprehensive review of published bat records in the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands through Quaternary times, representing the first attempt to update and standardize the knowledge of chiropters in southwestern Europe during this time period. The main goal is to identify changes in bat assemblages that might be correlatable to palaeoclimate and palaeoenvironmental changes. Our data show that the Quaternary record of bats in the area is fragmentary and strongly dependent on the presence of karstic cavities. Thus, a strong preservation bias towards colonial cave-dwelling bats exists, and species with alternative ecological requirements are under-represented. Nevertheless, this work reveals that most of the bats inhabiting the area today were already present in the region from at least the Middle Pleistocene. Interestingly, we observe a frequent association between certain cave-dwelling bats (i.e., Rhinolophus ferrumequinum , Miniopterus schreibersii , Myotis myotis and M. blythii) that is still observed in many caves today; this reflects a stable ecology that has remained undisturbed despite past climatic changes. Within the well-documented periods at the end of the Late Pleistocene and the Holocene, a reduction in some common components of Quaternary assemblages (Rhinolophus species and M. schreibersii) is observed, coinciding with the Late Glacial Maximum and the Northgrippian Neoglacial (a cooling event in the Holocene). Finally, the Balearic record shows interesting palaeobiogeographical characteristics, including some eastern taxa absent in the Iberian Peninsula (Rhinolophus variabilis and R. cf. blasii) as well as an unusual abundance of Rhinolophus hipposideros. • Most extant bats in the Iberian Peninsula were already present there ca. 600 ka. • A strong bias towards colonial, cave bats counting exists within the fossil record. • Three Mediterranean cave bats associate stably despite Quaternary climate shifts. • The Last Glacial Maximum and the Northgrippian Neoglacial events left a mark. • Two oriental taxa and higher reports on Rhinolophus for the Balearic fossil bats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Late Pliocene fossil locality of Las Higueruelas (central Spain) has been known for many decades; however, in this paper, we describe the fauna of small-sized vertebrates (fish, amphibians, squamate reptiles, and rodents) for the first time based on pre-existing collections in the Museo Provincial de Ciudad Real. In addition to updating the taxonomical nomenclature of previously-published faunal lists, we also report the new occurrences of four fish taxa, a lizard (Lacertidae indet.), and several snakes (Malpolon gr. monspessulanus-mlynarskii , cf. Zamenis scalaris , and a large-sized indetermined viperid, probably from the Oriental vipers group or genus Daboia). The only rodent is identified as Stephanomys minor. Overall this assemblage indicates the predominance of open, dry environments and shrubby vegetation close to more grassy and riparian woodland under warm (15.1 ± 1.8 °C) and semi-arid (556 ± 40 mm) conditions. There was 4-month period of summer aridity similar to a modern Mediterranean climate. Most of the aquatic taxa (Pleurodeles , Pelophylax , and Natrix) were able to tolerate brackish environments, and the amphibians suggest the presence of deep and stable water bodies, with a long hydroperiod and aquatic vegetation, necessary for reproduction. Las Higueruelas is confirmed as being assigned to subchron 2An.1r (3.116–3.032 Ma) like the Camp dels Ninots Konservat-Lagerstätten (Girona, Spain). Palaeoclimate reconstruction for both localities is consistent with the later stages of the mid-Piacenzian Warm Period. Palaeontological comparison between the two sites may support either a small difference in age, or most probably, varied climate zonations within the Iberian Peninsula, with a north-eastern area allowing a local survival of Early Pliocene taxa that are absent from Las Higueruelas. [Display omitted] • The small vertebrates from Las Higueruelas (Spain) are described for the first time. • Fish, herpetofauna, and rodent represent up to 18 different taxa. • Stephanomys minor and palaeomagnetism constrain to the cron 2An.1r (3.03–3.11 Ma). • Predominance of open environments under temperate and dry climate conditions. • Central Spain does not seem to allow local survival of early Pliocene taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of arid climate conditions in eastern Iberia during the mid-Cretaceous (mid-Albian to earliest Cenomanian) has been postulated by several authors over the last two decades based on sedimentological and palaeobotanical datasets. In this paper, we present a combined sedimentological and paleosol study of the mid-Albian to earliest Cenomanian Utrillas Group in the Cuenca Basin of east-central Spain, to improve knowledge of palaeoclimate. Four facies associations are identified as follows: Proximal alluvial braidplain (FA I), Distal alluvial braidplain (FA II), Aeolian dunes (FA III), and Inner estuarine settings (FA IV). The succession records the development of a braidplain system under dominantly arid conditions followed by a marine transgressive phase. In contrast to the overall arid palaeoclimate interpretation, multi-proxy palaeoedaphological analyses conducted for three paleosol profiles (Spodosols) indicate the occurrence of periods of increased humidity in the basin. These findings allow us to infer the occurrence of shorter-term climatic oscillations characterised by a tropical savanna climate when the palaeosols developed, suggesting significantly more humid conditions than those inferred based on the sedimentological and previous palaeobotanical datasets. We propose a palaeoclimatic model that explains the alternation between the dominantly arid and these more humid periods based on the cyclical latitudinal shifting of the mid-Cretaceous climatic belts, shedding new light on the mid-Albian to earliest Cenomanian climate of Iberia. • Sedimentology and palaeoedaphology study of the Utrillas Group in the Cuenca Basin. • Short-term climatic oscillations in Iberia during the mid-Albian–early Cenomanian. • Cyclical changes from an arid climate to a seasonally dry tropical climate. • New insights on the mid-Cretaceous palaeoclimate of the basins of Eastern Iberia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coprolites are commonly identified in the Pleistocene archaeo-palaeontological record. They have often been described as indirect evidence for the presence of carnivores (usually hyenids) during the formation of a depositional sequence. However, coprolites are a much larger source of information that can provide data relating to factors affecting an archaeological assemblage, including its taphonomic history and palaeoecology. In this paper, two fossil coprolite accumulations dating to the late Early Pleistocene are described: Level TD6.1 of Gran Dolina (Sierra de Atapuerca, Burgos) and Unit II of la Mina (Barranc de la Boella, Tarragona). The results highlight the morphological homogeneity of these hyena coprolites, despite a considerable variation in size. The presence of microspherulites is clearly identified in all of the analysed hyena coprolites. Their composition is rich in elements characteristic of bone-origin, such as calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P). A major difference, however, differentiating the remains from these sites was a higher frequency of bone fragments in the la Mina coprolites, regarding to TD6.1. Pollen, spores, and palynomorphs are scarce in the samples from both sites, which in fact share similar ecological characteristics such as the presence of pine, wild grasses, and coprophilous fungi. Hyena coprolites are relatively easy to differentiate from those of other taxa; however, they show intra-specific similarities in their micro- and macro-morphology and composition, despite their wide size range. The species of hyenids responsible for the coprolites is not possible to identify based exclusively on the size range, and the importance of a multidisciplinary study of the latrines and the coprolites is discussed as a source of palaeoecological and taphonomic information. In this study, coprolites are analysed, compared, and attributed to a hyenid, identified as Crocuta crocuta in the case of TD6.1, but without specific attribution in the case of la Mina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the Middle Triassic-to-earliest Jurassic evaporite sedimentation in the epicontinental, eastern Iberian platform. This deposition occurred under extensional regime during the westwards migration of the Neotethys Ocean at the start of the Pangea break-up. Although attention is focused on the evaporitic episodes recorded in the Epicontinental (Germanic) Triassic of the platform, the evaporite units in the carbonatic Alpine Triassic are also considered. In the Epicontinental Triassic, up to six evaporitic episodes, which alternated with three carbonatic episodes and a siliciclastic one, occurred between the Anisian and the Lower Hettangian. The evaporitic episodes may be divided into two groups. The stratigraphic units of the older group have similar characteristics in salinity and facies, and were formed in chloride-rich, evaporitic mudflats. In the younger group, the salinity and depositional features display considerable differences and the environments evolved from evaporitic mudflats to extensive salterns. The different evolutive trends in the evaporites of the two groups suggest major re-structuration of the platform after the sedimentation of the siliciclastic units of the middle Keuper (Carnian Humide Episode). Progressive marine influence in the assemblage of the six evaporitic episodes is deduced from the changing nature of the evaporites and their host sediment. All the evaporite units accumulated as transgressive and highstand systems tracts. The close relationship between evaporite units and thick accumulation suggests that the structural control played a major role in the sedimentation. In the Alpine Triassic, the presence of evaporites interbedded in the allochthonous carbonate units is documented. Lateral correlation of the evaporite units of the Epicontinental and the Alpine types of Triassic allows us to reconstruct the facies continuum across the original Iberian platform. Such a west-to-east transect illustrates the palaeogeography, structural evolution, and major depositional controls in the platform during the period under study. The deduced evaporitic pattern could be applied to other Triassic platforms which acted as epeiric seaways for the westward advance of the Neotethys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine Isotope Stage 5 (MIS 5) is well represented in palynological studies of North Atlantic marine cores but in only a handful of archeological sequences from the adjacent Iberian landmass. In this paper, we undertake a multi-proxy analysis of small mammal assemblages (insectivores, bats, and rodents) from a 6 m-thick succession, dated to MIS 5a-5b (Layers 7–22), situated in the southeastern edge of the Central Limestone massif of Estremadura at Gruta da Oliveira, near Torres Novas, Portugal. Application of quantitative (Habitat Weighting, Simpson's Diversity Index) and qualitative (Mutual Ecogeographic Range, Bioclimatic Model, Quantified Ecology) methods suggest that open woodland habitats were dominant through the time of accumulation with reconstructed mean annual temperatures (MAT) tracking the 18O curve from the NorthGRIP ice core, from the end of MIS 5c to the beginning of MIS 4. Our findings are consistent with the general trends derived from other Gruta da Oliveira proxies (wood charcoal, coprolite pollen, large mammal associations), limited evidence from other MIS 5 terrestrial sites in Iberia, and offshore marine palynological records. • Combined quantitative and qualitative methods to reconstruct MIS 5 at Gruta da Oliveira. • Small-mammal assemblage used as a proxy to apply these methods. • A landscape dominated by open woodlands habitats has been identified. • Findings are consistent with the trends reported from other Gruta da Oliveira proxies. • Results accord with data from marine core pollen and other MIS 5 Iberian sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we analyse the upper Barremian-lowermost Aptian Alacón Formation (Oliete subbasin, Maestrazgo Basin) of Spain to understand the progressive opening of a shallow-marine bay found on the northeastern margin of Iberia. The succession consists of four transgressive-regressive sequences (S1S4) bounded by widespread unconformities caused by rapid base-level fall. The transgressive interval of each sequence is characterized by relatively high detrital input and fresh-water inflow that caused the demise of shallow-marine benthic communities. The regressive interval of each sequence triggered progressive regeneration of the benthic carbonate producers. Sequences 1 and 2 consist of lacustrine to restricted shallow-marine facies, followed by accumulations of the gryphaeid oyster Ceratostreon , with progressive colonization of the bay by marine benthic communities subjected to frequent salinity oscillations. Sequences 3 and 4 represent the stabilization of open-marine conditions in the bay with widespread development of high-energy bioclastic tidal dunes. The long-term transgression around the Barremian-Aptian boundary, which gave rise to the progressive flooding of the Oliete bay, was episodically interrupted by shorter-term episodes of abrupt base-level fall, with the eventual subaerial exposure of the entire bay at the end of the deposition of the Alacón Formation. Our data suggest that the observed sequence architecture was mostly controlled by climatic and eustatic sea-level oscillations, with local synsedimentary tectonics having a minor impact. Two major sea-level fall events responsible for the discontinuities found on top of sequences 3 and 4 are possibly correlated to the cooling episodes close to the Barremian-Aptian boundary and during the earliest Aptian (predating the OAE 1a) described in many other worldwide basins. • The progressive opening of a shallow marine bay in Iberia (W Tethys) is documented. • Four sequences register progressive paleogeographical and paleoecological changes. • Sequence boundaries are tentatively linked to major cooling events KBa5 and KAp1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we conduct a palynological analysis of a high-resolution Holocene record from Cartagena Bay, southeast of the Iberian Peninsula, to establish paleoenvironmental variability of coastal areas in the western Mediterranean region at a centennial-scale over the last 7300 years. Statistical analysis of four palynozones allows reconstruction of paleotemperature and paleohumidity conditions. Pinus , steppic, xerophilous, and Mediterranean taxa persisted continuously through the record, and only during periods of increased humidity did deciduous and Mediterranean taxa expand (Zones II, subzone IIIb). Cooler and dry conditions favored the development of Cupressaceae and scrubs between 7300 and 7000 yr cal BP. The mid-Holocene (Northgrippian) mesophytic optimum took place between 6800 and 4000 yr cal BP during which time a Mediterranean climate was present and open forest developed, predominantly consisting of Mediterranean taxa and deciduous trees. The gradual rise in aridity in the Meghalayan (4000–1700 yr cal BP) led to Mediterranean forest being replaced by steppic and xerophilous vegetation, a change related mostly to a decrease in summer insolation, with superimposed centennial-scale variability in humidity. In parallel with forest degradation caused by increasing aridity, the record shows marked evidence of human influence since 4000 yr cal BP, which accelerated the progression of open landscapes from the Chalcolithic onwards, this change being especially marked during the Roman period. Significant denudation of the landscape can be attributed to the use of fire, as well as due to agriculture and grazing, with a major contributor being intense metallurgical and mining activity in the area. The Cartagena Bay record reported herein shows centennial-scale oscillations in humidity and temperature that correlate with well-known climatic events during the late Holocene in the western Mediterranean region, synchronous with variability in solar and atmospheric dynamics. The alternation of persistent North Atlantic Oscillation modes is likely to have played a key role in regulating humid–arid periods. • Pollen content allowed the paleoenvironmental reconstruction during the Holocene. • Centennial-scale oscillations in humidity & temperature correlate with climatic events. • The mid-Holocene mesophytic optimum took place between 6800 and 4000 yr cal BP. • Aridity and xerophytization occurred between 4000 and 1700 yr cal BP. • Human influence accelerated the progression of open landscapes since the Chalcolithic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper reports on analysis of plant macrofossils in aeolian deposits exposed in El Asperillo cliff in the Province of Huelva. A significant find of a large number of macrofossils of Pinus (Pinus pinaster Ait. and Pinus nigra Arnold) makes a major contribution to our understanding of the role of Pine in the Upper Pleistocene landscapes of Iberia. P. pinaster Ait. and P. nigra Arnold, are meso-microthermic species and inhabited valleys excavated in aeolian sediments mainly deposited during OIS 4 and OIS 3 (based on OSL and radiocarbon ages). Their presence in these valleys during the last part of OIS4 and OIS 3 reflects a significant fall in temperature during certain periods of these isotopic stages and helps us better understand the response of coastal dynamics to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The late Neogene of the Mediterranean region is marked by significant faunal and floral turnover in terrestrial ecosystems, paleogeographic and paleoceanographic changes associated with the Messinian Salinity Crisis (MSC), and regional climate transition associated with the onset of northern hemisphere glaciation. In this paper we report stable oxygen isotope compositions (δ 18O) of terrestrial mammal faunas from the Late Miocene, Pliocene and Pleistocene of Spain, and compare these data with Late Miocene mammal δ 18O values from northern Libya. Since tooth enamel δ 18O from modern horses has been demonstrated to be a reasonable proxy for the δ 18O of local meteoric water, which is in turn strongly dependent on mean annual temperature (MAT), we use the δ 18O of fossil horse tooth enamel to estimate MAT. Our paleotemperature reconstructions are consistent with global cooling during the late Cenozoic, with MAT for the Late Miocene that is warmer than today by ∼1–2°C in NE Spain and by ∼4–5°C in SE Spain. The difference of ∼8–9°C between NE and SE Spain for the Late Miocene is ∼60% greater than the MAT difference between these same areas today. The δ 18O values from Libya are lower than those for southern Spain, and may suggest cooler and/or wetter climates in northeastern Africa during the latest Miocene and early Pliocene. We examined intrafaunal δ 18O patterns to make interpretations about paleoecology and to qualitatively assess paleoaridity. Comparisons of δ 18O values between clades are consistent with a semi-aquatic lifestyle for anthracotheres, hippopotamids, and castorids. We also compare intra-tooth samples of enamel and dentine to examine possible diagenetic alteration of these materials. Comparisons of enamel and dentine δ 18O suggest slight diagenetic alteration of dentine, but we demonstrate that these δ 18O values can be used to reconstruct reasonable values of diagenetic water δ 18O. Overall, our data do not support large climatic changes in the Iberian Peninsula during the MSC, but are consistent with long-term global cooling and sharper latitudinal climate gradients in Spain during the Neogene. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Fish bones are common in Pleistocene cave deposits in Europe. In this paper, we report on fish remains from the Gran Dolina cave (Trinchera del Ferrocarril) in the Sierra de Atapuerca in Spain, to increase what is known of the freshwater ecosystems close to the cave. The 19-m-thick section, divided into 11 stratigraphic levels, represents an Early to Middle Pleistocene time span as dated by biostratigraphy, ESR, U-series, and magnetostratigraphy. We focus on the Sondeo South site, excavated from 1993 to 1999, which has yielded 1087 fish bones comprising the following taxa: brown trout (Salmo trutta), the common European eel (Anguilla anguilla) and chub (Squalius sp.). Taphonomic studies suggest that the European eagle owl (Bubo bubo) was the most likely predator responsible for the accumulation. Changes observed in the body size of brown trout through the sequence cannot be attributed to climate change (contravening Bergmann's rule). Our study documents the presence of a pre-mountain river system characterized by permanent, oxygen-rich, relatively cold flowing waters around the Sierra de Atapuerca during Early-Middle Pleistocene times. • Early-Middle Pleistocene fishes from Gran Dolina site (Iberian Peninsula). • Detailed description of freshwater ecosystems around Atapuerca. • Taphonomical signature of a natural accumulator agent on fish remains. • Bergmann's rule test on the brown trout (Salmo trutta). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The locality of El Salt (Alcoi, Spain) is a key site for understanding the extirpation of Neanderthals in the eastern part of Iberia. In this paper, we analyse an assemblage of amphibians and reptiles from Stratigraphic Unit V (45.2 ± 3.4 ka to 44.7 ± 3.4 ka), which corresponds to one of the last regional records of Neanderthals, to improve knowledge of the palaeoecology and palaeoclimate of this event. The assemblage comprises three anurans (Pelodytes sp., Alytes obstetricans , and Epidalea calamita), two lizards (Lacertidae indet. and Chalcides bedriagai), and five snakes (Colubridae indet., Coronella sp., Coronella sp./ Zamenis sp., Natrix maura , and Vipera latastei). Palaeoclimatic reconstruction, based on the Mutual Ecogeographic Range method, indicates that climate was cooler and slightly wetter climate than the present day climate of the Alcoi area. Applying the Habitat Weighting Method, we infer that the area surrounding El Salt was dominated by open dry regions, alternating with rocky areas with scarce scrubs and forest patches that would have developed under mesomediterranean conditions. These results are not entirely consistent with those obtained with other proxies (charcoal and small mammal assemblages) from the same site, which suggest slightly warmer and drier conditions. We hypothesise that these divergences may be partly related to the current wide distribution of reptiles and amphibians across Iberia. A key finding is that the extirpation of the Neanderthals in Iberia coincided with aridification. • Quaternary (MIS3) herpetofaunas, comprising c. 10 taxa, are studied at El Salt, Alcoi, Spain • Palaeoenvironmental and palaeoclimatic reconstructions are made using Mutual Ecogeographic Range and Habitat Weighting Method • Results indicate an open and arid environment coincided with the extirpation of Neanderthals from Iberia [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we reconstruct palaeoclimate for the late Oligocene (Chattian) La Val plant assemblage of Spain (NE Iberian Peninsula). Our study employs both CLAMP (Climate Leaf Analysis Multivariate Program) and LMA (Leaf Margin Analysis), the first time these two techniques have been directly compared, and is based on 25 morphotypes (representing 23 taxa) of woody dicot leaves from a single stratigraphic unit (layer LV6). Both methods have provided a similar result. Although the standard deviation of LMA is higher than CLAMP, the results of LMA are coherent with CLAMP. The palaeoclimatic variables obtained from CLAMP shows a marked contrast between WMMT and CMMT and between 3-WET (836.3 ± 145.4 mm) and 3-DRY (113 ± 33 mm). Meanwhile, the GROWSEAS (9.30 ± 0.7 months) points out that the growth season lasted almost all the year. These variations signal a seasonal contrast, showing the existence of a dry season. Results indicate a warm temperate climate with hot and dry summers. The palaeoclimatic variables obtained using CLAMP are: MAT 17.2 ± 1.7 °C, WMMT 25.5 ± 1.3 °C, CMMT 10 ± 1.8 °C and GSP 1480 ± 204 mm. The palaeoclimatic variables obtained using LMA are MAT 17.11 ± 4.61 °C (regression equation for data from East Asia) and 16.8 ± 4.7 °C (regression equation for data from Europe). The palaeoclimatic values estimated from La Val site match those obtained from other Oligocene sites from Iberia (e.g. As Pontes site) that rely on different palaeoclimate methods. These palaeoclimatic values obtained from La Val are also similar to those from several Oligocene localities (e.g. the Rot flora) in Europe and reflect peak temperature corresponding to the late Oligocene warming episode. • First palaeoclimatic reconstruction employing both the CLAMP and LMA methods in Spain • Results indicate a warm climate with hot and dry summers. • Climatic data obtained for the Iberian Oligocene sites are relatively homogeneous. • Palaeoclimatic parameters are slightly greater than central european values. • These differences could be related to the occurrence of a climatic gradient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El Salt is an important reference site for understanding the extinction of Neanderthal populations in the eastern Iberian Peninsula during MIS 3. In this paper, we describe the small mammal assemblage from Stratigraphic Unit V, the youngest unit with evidence of human presence, based on nearly 1300 specimens. A total of seven rodents (Microtus arvalis , Microtus duodecimcostatus , Microtus cabrerae , Sciurus vulgaris , Arvicola sapidus , Eliomys quercinus and Apodemus sylvaticus), three insectivores (Talpa occidentalis , Crocidura sp., Sorex sp.) and one lagomorph (Oryctolagus cf. cuniculus) were identified. Palaeocological analyses point to drier conditions in this part of the stratigraphic sequence, supporting the hypothesis that an aridification scenario may have played a role in the extinction of the Neanderthal groups inhabiting this region of the Iberian Peninsula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetrapod ichnology is a powerful tool to reconstruct the faunal composition of Middle Triassic ecosystems. However, reconstructions based on a single palaeoenvironment provide an incomplete and impoverished picture of the actual palaeodiversity. In this paper, we analyse Middle Triassic tetrapod ichnoassociations from the detrital Muschelkalk facies of the Catalan Basin of northeast Spain, ranging from terrestrial to coastal settings. We identified two main tetrapod ichnoassociations, preserved in two different palaeoenvironments, comprising the following ichnogenera and morphotypes: Procolophonichnium , Chelonipus, Rhynchosauroides , Rotodactylus , Chirotherium , Isochirotherium , Sphingopus , and indeterminate chirotheriids. We also statistically analyse a database of all known Middle Triassic tetrapod footprint localities worldwide; this database includes, for each track locality, the precise age, the palaeoenvironment and the presence/absence of ichnotaxa. Our results on the composition of ichnofauna within the palaeoenvironments of the Catalan Basin are integrated into this database. This approach allows us to revisit the palaeoenvironmental bias linked to the marine transgression that affected the Western Tethys region. Tetrapod ichnoassociations reveal the following palaeoenvironmental patterns: (1) in coastal settings, ichnoassociations are Rhynchosauroides -dominated and diversity is relatively low; (2) in terrestrial settings and those with less marine influences, ichnoassociations are non- Rhynchosauroides -dominated, usually characterised by more abundant chirotheriid tracks and, generally, a higher track diversity. The correlation between tetrapod ichnoassociations and sedimentary facies reveals how palaeoenvironmental constraints influenced faunal assemblages, especially those of the Middle Triassic of the Western Tethys region. Ichnoassociations allow the ecological response of tetrapod faunas to the environmental changes to be inferred for this critical time interval. Marine transgressions strongly influenced tetrapod ecosystems: environmental conditions were key for the faunal recovery in the aftermath of the end-Permian extinction, with the settlement of the so-called modern faunas and the rise of the dinosaur lineage. • The importance of facies analyses when studying tetrapod ichnofossils. • In coastal settings, ichnoassociations are Rhynchosauroides -dominated. • Terrestrial settings ichnoassociations are non- Rhynchosauroides -dominated. • A database of Middle Triassic tetrapod footprint localities worldwide is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]