First record of insectivore from the late Oligocene, Kargil Formation (Ladakh Molasse Group), Ladakh Himalayas. Issue 8 (1st December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wazir, Wasim A.; Cailleux, Florentin; Sehgal, Ramesh K.; Patnaik, Rajeev; Kumar, Navin; van den Hoek Ostende, Lars W.
• Is Part Of: Journal of Asian earth sciences. Issue 8(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-12-01
• Subjects: Erinaceidae -- Mammalia -- India -- Maxilla -- Eulipotyphla -- New genus; Earth sciences -- Asia -- Periodicals; 555.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jaesx.2022.100105
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2590-0560

Abstract

Highlights: An erinaceid fossil was found in the upper Oligocene of the Kargil Formation. The find provides a welcome addition to the scanty insectivore record of India. The fossil represents a new genus and species, Ladakhechinus iugummontis. The species is only known from its holotype, a partial maxillary with three premolars. The unique morphology of the P4 sets the species apart from all other Erinaceidae. Abstract: The Kargil Formation in the region of Ladakh (northern India) is known for its late Oligocene mammal fauna of both large mammals and rodents. New excavations in the area yielded a maxillary fragment of an insectivore with three premolars and two roots of a canine. The fossil record of the insectivores on the Indian subcontinent is as yet scanty. Based on the peculiar morphology of the last premolar, the Ladakh fossil could be identified as belonging to a new species of Erinaceinae, Ladakhechinus iugummontis n. gen. n. sp. The new find confirms the large diversity among hedgehogs in Asia during the Oligocene.