On the occurrence of Anancus sivalensis from the Tatrot Formation (Pliocene) of Upper Siwaliks of Indian subcontinent

Abstract

The Siwaliks are worldwide known for its fossil primate remains. Several fossil prosimians and hominoids, such as Sivapithecus , Sivaladapis, Gigantopithecus have been reported from the Siwaliks of Indian Subcontinent. In addition, a plethora of fossil mammals have also been reported from the present study area.  The present paper describes the first discovery of a well-preserved upper molar of Anancus sivalensis collected from the Tatrot Formation (Pliocene) of Upper Siwalik deposits at Khera Village near Kala Amb (Himachal Pradesh), India.  The dental remains indicate that Anancus sivalensis was grazer.  The mammalian faunal assemblage suggests that the Tatrot bed of the Upper Siwaliks in the area are from the early Pliocene. The present paper deals with the systematic description of the fossil material of Anancus. A brief account of the palaeoecological conditions in the form of the habitat spectra have been included, which indicate a more open landscape with bushland, grassland and scattered wood cover