Occurrences of Sinolagomys (Lagomorpha) from the Valley of Lakes (Mongolia)

Abstract

The genus Sinolagomys is an early representative of the family Ochotonidae, appearing first in the late early Oligocene of Central Asia. It is known in China from Shargaltein Tal, Taben Buluk, Ulan Tatal, and northern Junggaria, and a few specimens from Tatal Gol, Mongolia have been published. For most occurrences, the genus is not represented by many specimens. Extensive studies in the Valley of Lakes, Central Mongolia, have produced a large number of sinolagomyin fossils spanning at least 10 million years and belonging to five species: Sinolagomys kansuensis, Sinolagomys major, Sinolagomys gracilis, Sinolagomys ulungurensis, and Sinolagomys badamae sp. nov. Descriptions of these are given, as well as definition of the new species. Sinolagomyins flourished during the late Oligocene and early Miocene and came to occupy vast territories from China through Mongolia and Kazakhstan. The evolution of this ochotonid group is characterized by increasing taxonomic diversity and progressive development of rootless cheek teeth.