The Paradise Lost of Milia (Grevena, Greece; Late Pliocene, Early Villafranchian, MN15/MN16a): Faunal Composition and Diversity

摘要: (1) Background: Over the last decades, important fossil records of Late Pliocene mammals and reptiles have been unearthed in Milia, Grevena (N Greece). This assemblage shows a remarkable composition diversity, including partial skeletons mastodons that reached record-breaking sizes, abundant rhinos—the first occurrence this species Greece—and some new species; (2) Methods: We perform thorough quantitative analysis recovered assemblage, presenting information various collection spots calculate biodiversity indices for each spot; (3) Results: Our research has revealed vast majority expected taxa assemblage. argue sub-localities Milia could be grouped into larger, composite representing short period. analyze diversity changes through localities highlight potential barriers affect distribution taxa; (4) Conclusions: re-affirm Early Villafranchian affinities fauna. In particular, should date at MN16a, with surprising presence more archaic, Ruscinian taxa. The fossils depict paradise Southern Balkans; paradise, unfortunately, lost onset dramatic climate Quaternary.