Langebaanweg’s sabertooth guild reveals an African Pliocene evolutionary hotspot for sabertooths (Carnivora; Felidae)

• Published in: iScience 2023-08, Vol.26 (8), p.107212-107212, Article 107212
• Main Authors: Jiangzuo, Qigao, Rabe, Caitlin, Abella, Juan, Govender, Romala, Valenciano, Alberto
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological sciences; Paleobiology; Zoology
• ISSN: 2589-0042; 2589-0042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107212

Here, we describe and revise craniodental material from Langebaanweg ‘E’ Quarry (South Africa, early Pliocene, ∼5.2 Ma), which represents one of the largest and best-preserved collections of sabertooth felids from Mio-Pliocene deposits of Africa. Four taxa, including two new species, are recognized: Lokotunjailurus chinsamyae sp. nov., Adeilosmilus aff. kabir, Yoshi obscura, and Dinofelis werdelini sp. nov. The felid guild composition analyzed herein suggests the presence of a mosaic environment with open components in the region, and shows a potential relationship with that of Yuanmou, suggesting a similar environment and/or dispersal route/event. The reassessment of the rich early Pliocene felids from Langebaanweg is a step toward understanding the transition and evolution of the felids in the southern hemisphere during the late Miocene to early Pliocene. [Display omitted] •Langebaanweg’s (LBW) sabertooth cat’s guild includes two new species•Dinofelis from LBW is the potential ancestor of Plio-Pleistocene Dinofelis•We confirm a Pan-African distribution of Adeilosmilus and Lokotunjailurus•Comparison with Eurasian felid guild implies open environment at LBW Biological sciences; Zoology; Paleobiology