A newly discovered Hystrix primigenia specimen from the Kemiklitepe collection at Ege University Natural History Museum: insights into paleobiogeography in Eurasia

Abstract

Porcupines, members of the Hystricidae family, represent a unique group of herbivorous mammals. This study details the identification of a newly discovered mandible fragment of Hystrix primigenia, along with a right cheek tooth series from the middle Turolian Kemiklitepe-A fossil locality. While Hystrix fossils are found in numerous localities, the materials are often limited to a few dental fragments or isolated teeth, posing challenges to systematic investigations. The examination of this lower tooth series prompted a comprehensive review of all H. primigenia findings across Eurasia, shedding light on its adaptive characteristics over time and space. Our paleobiogeographical analysis indicates the absence of H. depereti in Late Miocene Türkiye, while the dispersal range of H. primigenia is broader than that of H. depereti in Eurasia. Additionally, the study delves into the discussion of H. primigenia and H. depereti findings in Eurasia, ultimately refining the categorization of Late Miocene Hystrix discoveries in Türkiye to two species: H. primigenia and H. kayae. Our review suggests the possibility of an additional H. kayae finding from Samos, Greece.