Eurolistriodon tenarezensis, sp. nov., from Montreal-du-Gers (France): implications for the systematics of the European Listriodontinae (Suidae, Mammalia)

ABSTRACT

The early middle Miocene (MN 4a, ca 17 Ma) site of Montréal-du-Gers (France, Gers) has yielded a rich collection of land mammals. A reexamination of the listriodont material from this locality, previously attributed to Bunolistriodon lockharti, provides evidence that it consists of a new species close to the genus Eurolistriodon. Unique cranial and dental features support maintaining Eurolistriodon, which comprises two species, E. adelli and E. tenarezensis sp. nov.. A phylogenetic analysis of the European Listriodontinae, including the material from seven French localities traditionally attributed to B. lockharti, does not support the monophyly of B. lockharti. The material from the type locality of B. lockharti is closely related to Listriodon splendens, suggesting that the two genera could be synonymous.