Land Mammal Distribution in the Mediterranean Neogene: A Consequence of Geokinematic and Climatic Events

Abstract

European Neogene mammal ages are based on the evolution of different mammal groups and migrational events. The correlation of these mammal ages with the marine stages, the palinspastic reconstruction of circum-Mediterranean seas and seaways, and knowledge of continental and marine climates have allowed for a better understanding and timing of Neogene mammal faunal evolution. The most significant events influencing the faunal composition in the circum-Mediterranean area are discussed: the Oligocene-early Miocene Eurasian-African separation and the early Miocene Bering land-bridge connection; the Afro-Eurasian faunal exchange around 19 million years (m.y.); the early middle Miocene interruption of this Eurasian-African corridor; the Hipparion event in late Miocene-Tortonian time, and the generation of the Turolian circum-Mediterranean chronofauna in Messinian time. Pliocene to Pléistocène climatic oscillations and tectonic events finally shaped the Mediterranean mammal distribution of today, before the impact of mankind.