Fossil remains of shrews (Soricomorpha: Soricidae) and desmans (Talpidae: Desmaninae) from Norfolk, England, with biostratigraphic implications for the Plio-Pleistocene boundary in East Anglia.

Abstract

Rare remains of soricids and desmans from the Plio-Pleistocene of Norfolk are described. Three soricid taxa are identified, comprising Sorex (Drepanosorex) praearaneus, Beremendia fissidens and Sorex cf. minutus. At least one other is suspected. Palaeoecology and correlation with continental sites is discussed. Comparison is made with the Tegelen fauna of The Netherlands and the water moles of genera Galemys and Desmana are considered to be of prime stratigraphic importance in correlating the British sequence with the late Tiglian.