A LATE PLEISTOCENE ENDEMIC GENET (CARNIVORA, VIVERRIDAE) FROM AGHIA NAPA, CYPRUS

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Published: Jun 8, 2007
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/bgsg.16514
Keywords:
Mediterranean Cyprus Genetta plesictoides Insular Endemism
G. E. Theodorou
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Faculty of Geology and Geoenvironment, Department of Historical Geology and Palaeontology
S. I. Roussiakìs
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Faculty of Geology and Geoenvironment, Department of Historical Geology and Palaeontology
A. Athanassiou
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Faculty of Geology and Geoenvironment, Department of Historical Geology and Palaeontology; Hellenic Ministry of Culture, Department of Palaeoanthropology-Speleology
I. Giaourtsakis
Ludwig-Maximilians- Universität München, Department of Geo- and Enviromental Sciences, Section of Paleontology
I. Panayides
Cyprus Geological Survey
Abstract

The Pleistocene endemic fauna of Cyprus consists mainly of dwarf hippos and elephants, adapted to the insular environment. Among the rare elements of this endemic fauna is a small carnivore, the viverrid Genetta plesictoides, poorly known from scanty material that comes from two localities. Recent excavations in a rockshelter site at the area of Aghia Napa yielded —apart from a rich hippo sample—new skeletal remains (a partial skull and a tibia) of the cypriot genet. The dental morphology shows adaptations towards a more carnivorous diet in relation to the extant Genetta genetta.

Article Details
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  • Palaeontology, Stratigraphy and Sedimentology
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