Early Pleistocene mammalian fauna of Sarkel (Lower Don River area, Russia): mole voles (Ellobiusini, Arvicolinae, Rodentia)

Abstract

Two forms of mole voles are present in the Early Pleistocene fauna of Sarkel. Ellobius (Ellobius) kujalnikensis is represented by scarce remains, which show morphological similarity to Early Pleistocene smaller mole voles of Eastern Europe. More numerous Ellobius (Bramus) tarchancutensis represent the second occurrence of this species in the region. The form from Lower Don area is relatively more hypsodont and has a more complex M3 than the type form from Crimea. The priority of the name Bramus Pomel, 1892 over Afganomys Topachevsky, 1965 is shown.