Taxonomic revision of Chinemys pani (Testudines: Geoemydidae) from the Pleistocene of Taiwan and its implications of conservation paleobiology

Abstract

Proper taxonomic identification is critical to our understanding of biodiversity and the underlying evolutionary history. Here we re-examine the cast of the holotype of Chinemys pani, a geoemydid turtle from the Pleistocene of Taiwan; the actual specimen was not curated appropriately after the original publication and was most likely lost. Our results provide substantial evidence to show that Chinemys pani should be identified as Mauremys reevesii. The replica, though not ideal, preserves various morphological features that allow reliable taxonomic identification of Mauremys reevesii, including the presence of three longitudinal keels on the carapace, the second to sixth neural bones anteriorly short-sided, and the lack of a movable plastral hinge. In addition, we also confirm that the original diagnostic features that established the new taxon: Chinemys pani – are polymorphic characters of Mauremys reevesii. Our taxonomic revision of a Pleistocene geoemydid turtle from Taiwan confirms the existence of the Pleistocene Mauremys reevesii. More importantly, this study offers new insights into the origin of modern biodiversity in Taiwan and gives a straightforward example of how fossils can be applied to conservation policies.