# South American paleontological discoveries > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/south-american-paleontological-discoveries > Updated: 2026-08-22T12:58:58.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. Paleontologists have reported several significant fossil discoveries across South America, providing new insights into prehistoric ecosystems. In Argentina, researchers identified a previously unknown prehistoric mammal, Patagomaia chainko, from the Chorrillo Formation in Santa Cruz province. This specimen is noted for an estimated body mass of approximately 14 kilograms, which is larger than many other Cretaceous-period mammals. Additionally, scientists identified two new fossil plant species from the genus Eucryphia in the Bariloche and General Roca areas. These fossils, consisting of fruits and leaves dating to the early Miocene epoch, suggest that northern Patagonia once contained humid, forested environments. In Bolivia, researchers from the Geoscience Research Institute identified turtle tracks in Torotoro National Park. Dating back to the Cretaceous period, these tracks represent the first recorded instance of such findings in South America and indicate the presence of large turtle species in the region. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-22: South American paleontologists announce new fossil discoveries New paleontological discoveries in South America include Cretaceous turtle tracks in Bolivia's Torotoro National Park and two new fossil plant species from ancient Patagonian forests in Argentina. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-american-paleontologists-announce-new-fossil-discoveries ### 2026-08-21: Patagonia paleontologists discover new prehistoric mammal and plant species Paleontologists have discovered a new prehistoric mammal, Patagomaia chainko, and two new plant species in Patagonia, revealing details about the region's ancient ecosystems. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/patagonia-paleontologists-discover-new-prehistoric-mammal-and-plant-species --- Cite as: South American paleontological discoveries. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/south-american-paleontological-discoveries