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

Resumen

The Siwaliks are worldwide known for its fossil primate remains. Several fossil prosimians and hominoids, including Sivapithecus, Sivaladapis, and Gigantopithecus, have been discovered in the Siwaliks of the Indian Subcontinent. Additionally, many fossil mammals have been found in the area under study. This paper presents the first finding of a well-preserved upper molar of Anancus sivalensis, which was collected from the Tatrot Formation (Pliocene) of the Upper Siwalik deposits at Khera Village near Kala Amb in Himachal Pradesh, India. The dental remains suggest that Anancus sivalensis was a grazer. The mammalian fauna indicates that the Tatrot bed of the Upper Siwaliks in this region dates back to the early Pliocene. The present paper deals with the systematic description of the fossil material of Anancus. The Tatrot deposit of the Upper Siwaliks in the region is thought to date early Pliocene based on the mammalian faunal composition. However, some comments about the palaeoecological conditions in the form of the habitat spectra have also been included, which indicate a more open landscape with bushland, grassland and scattered wood cover.

Keywords: Anancus, Upper Siwaliks, Pliocene, dental remains, Palaeocology, India.