Miscellaneous carnivore remains from Plio-Pleistocene deposits in the Sterkfontein Valley (Mammalia: Carnivora)

Abstract

Previous identifications of some miscellaneous carnivore remains from Sterkfontein Valley sites of Plio-Pleistocene age are considered, and new identifications are suggested for a number of items. Among the most important results are the first African record of a species of raccoon dog from Kromdraai and the recognition of a large cheetah from Swartkrans and of a large lion from Sterkfontein that is the earliest known specimen from southern Africa. The significance of some of the new identifications for our understanding of species origin times and dispersal patterns is discussed.