A critical review of African species of Eucyon (Mammalia; Carnivora; Canidae), with a new species from the Pliocene of the Woranso-Mille Area, Afar Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

Eucyon is a paraphyletic genus of jackal-sized canids that predated the appearance of true Canis in North America, Eurasia and Africa. In this study, we describe a new species of Eucyon, E. kuta, from the Woranso-Mille Area, Afar Region, Ethiopia. The new species differs from all other described Eucyon in having the distal cusps of the p4 united into a crest. It may be the youngest Eucyon known from Africa and is larger than described Eucyon from that continent. Other described African Eucyon are briefly reviewed, and we suggest that some material may be referable to foxes (Vulpini), while other material may belong to the small bear-dog Bonisicyon illacabo (Amphicyonidae) or a closely related taxon.