Redescription of early Miocene dolphin Phocaenopsis mantelli Huxley, 1859 (Odontoceti incertae sedis)

Abstract

The holotype and unique specimen of Phocaenopsis mantelli Huxley, 1859, was derived from Lower Miocene Rifle Butts Formation (Altonian Stage) at either Awamoa Creek or Old Rifle Butts, North Otago, New Zealand. Previous citations of a Pleistocene or Quaternary age, and of possible contemporaneity with man, are erroneous.Phocaenopsis mantelli does not appear to be allied with the Phocoenidae, and perhaps represents a rhabdosteid or squalodontid, but the absence of obvious diagnostic features necessitates its placement in the Odontoceti incertae sedis. © 1981 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.