Cretaceous Pterosaurs of the Araripe Basin: A Comprehensive Taxonomic Update and Paleobiological Insights

Abstract

More than fifty years after the first discoveries of pterosaurs in the Araripe Basin, this sedimentary unit remains one of the most informative windows into the diversity and biology of these fantastic flying reptiles. With dozens of proposed species from two different Lagerstätten, the exceptional preservation of Araripe fossils offers a detailed view of the anatomy, function, and ecology of Cretaceous pterosaurs. These fossils reveal complex faunal assemblages populated by these animals, providing rare snapshots of ancient ecosystems. Today, Araripe pterosaur diversity appears to have reached a plateau, with fewer new taxa and more specimens assigned to known species. This situation calls for a comprehensive reassessment of Araripe pterosaur diversity. Here, we present an in-depth, richly illustrated taxonomic review of all taxa proposed for the basin, along with a synthesis of available paleobiological data. This work aims to establish a solid foundation for future research and proposes guidelines for advancing our understanding of Araripe pterosaurs, especially from biostratigraphic and paleoecological perspectives—areas severely affected by the ongoing threat of illegal collecting and fossil trade.