Osburh

Osburh is a genus of prehistoric salamander that lived during the Early Jurassic period, around 175-170 million years ago. The name Osburh was introduced in 1985, which means "bone strength" in Old English. The species is characterized by its small size, with most specimens measuring up to 5 centimeters in length.

Fossil specimens of Osburh have been found in what are now Germany and France, with deposits found in the Halstatt limestone formation. This finding suggests that Osburh may have lived in a semi-aquatic environment, as the Halstatt limestone formation is composed of sediment deposited in lake or marine settings.

One notable characteristic of Osburh is the distinctive structure of its limbs. Adults within the genus have a characteristic disorder in which the disarticulation of the tarsal elements occurs. This structure is unique within the Early Jurassic salamander genera.

Osburh fossils are notable in that they have provided valuable insights into the diversity and relationships within Jurassic-era amphibians. Like other fossils from this time period, the discovery of Osburh has helped naturalists better understand the change in ecosystems during the Jurassic era. Overall, the study of ancient species, like Osburh, helps illuminate the living conditions of their time.

Despite the relative importance of the discovery of Osburh, relatively little has been reported about its fossil-bearing sites. However, the overall richness of the fossil beds within the Halstatt limestone supports the value of the sites for future discoveries.