Miocene/Pliocene mammal faunas of southern Balkans: implications for biostratigraphy and palaeoecology

摘要: Even though there are numerous late Miocene mammal localities in the southern Balkans, those of Turolian and early Ruscinian age uncommon. Using available data, mainly from Greece Bulgaria, we compiled information about faunal palaeoenvironmental changes at Miocene/Pliocene boundary. The analysis elements indicates that several taxa disappeared, whereas new appeared. composition zones suggests a decrease bovids giraffids an increase cervids suids MN 12 to 14. assemblages 12–MN 14 compared with set modern fossil known environments determine their palaeoenvironment. results indicate closed character environment 14, suggesting gradual humidity development more forestial conditions. rodent faunas northern ranging 13 show characteristic aridification biotopes introduction African last part (during Messinian Salinity Crisis), subsequent return humid-and/or-forested towards 13/14 sedimentological data for Greek correlated Turolian/Ruscinian boundary general open landscape water spots variable sizes surrounded by dense forests.