Large giraffids (Mammalia, Ruminantia) from the new late Miocene fossiliferous locality of Kemiklitepe-E (Western Anatolia, Turkey)

Abstract

Kemiklitepe is a well-known locality with four recognised fossiliferous horizons, KTA to KTD, which have yielded a plethora of mammalian remains. Previous taxonomic studies indicate the presence of three giraffid taxa: Samotherium major and Palaeotragus rouenii from the uppermost three horizons, KTA, KTB and KTC, as well as Palaeotragus rouenii and Samotherium? sp. from the lowermost KTD horizon. In this study a new locality, Kemiklitepe-E, is presented for the first time. Kemiklitepe-E is located approximately 350 m NW of the classic Kemiklitepe locality. The fossiliferous sedimentary rocks at Kemiklitepe-E occur at the same stratigraphic level as localities KTA, KTB and KTC. The preliminary faunal list includes representatives of Proboscidea, Chalicotheriidae, Equidae, Bovidae and Giraffidae. Comprehensive descriptions and comparisons of the Kemiklitepe-E Giraffidae specimens suggest the co-occurrence of two large giraffids: Samotherium major and Helladotherium duvernoyi. Samotherium major, previously documented from this region, is the most common taxon at Kemiklitepe. Helladotherium duvernoyi is rare at Kemiklitepe and here reported for the first time. The two taxa coexisted during the middle Turolian in Greece and Western Anatolia. In addition, it is suggested that specimens of Samotherium? sp described from KTD possibly belong to Samotherium neumayri. Based on the stratigraphic position of fossiliferous rocks, as well as the faunal data presented herein, the newly discovered locality is considered to be of middle Turolian (MN12) age.