The last occurrence of Megaceroides algericus Lyddekker, 1890 (Mammalia, Cervidae) during the middle Holocene in the cave of Bizmoune (Morocco, Essaouira region)

摘要: During the course of archaeological test excavations carried out in 2007 cave Bizmoune (Essaouira region, Morocco), seven layers yielding Pleistocene and Holocene artefacts faunal remains were identified. In C4, C3 C2, respectively from oldest to most recent, terrestrial Helicidae mollusk shells (Helix aspersa) dated by 14C. These also contained many fragments eggshell, belonging Struthio cf. camelus, associated with mammal such as Oryctolagus/Lepus, Gazella sp., Sus scrofa, Ammotragus lervia, Alcelaphus buselaphus, Equus Phacochoerus aethiopicus an undetermined Caprini. Among these remains, incomplete mandible Megaceroides algericus Lydekker, 1890 M1 M2 was found layer C3. The 6641 6009 cal BP time range attributed this has provided recent date known so far for M. algericus. study, we review contextualize findings particular species both space discuss its systematic position. We describe morphology typical pachyostosic mandibular bone teeth compare dimensions existing data. assumption combined development, on one hand, phenomenon other body weight fluctuations growth antlers cervids strongly affected seasonality is not supported. order understand origin extinction algericus, examined AMS radiocarbon dates available literature calibrated them RenDateModel software. Comparisons are then made sea surface temperatures (e.g. GISP2 δ18O), eustasy related environmental changes throughout span species. Based data a possible migration route Strait Gibraltar connected eustatic rises sea-level discussed. speciation-extinction processes their correlations climatic shifts long time-scale North Africa Heinrich events, 8200 event) considered. Finally, new discovery clearly shows that lasted until very end Epipaleolithic, around 6000 (middle Holocene), whereas formerly believed have survived early Epipaleolithic (around 8000 BP).