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Late Pliocene Erinaceidae and Talpidae (Mammalia: Insectivora) from Varshets (North Bulgaria)

2004; Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals, Polish Academy of Sciences; Volume: 47; Linguagem: Inglês

1734-915X

Vasil Popov,

Animal Ecology and Behavior Studies

One hedgehog (Erinaceus cf. lechei), two moles (Talpa cf. levantis and Scalo- poides cf. copernici), one shrew-mole (Quyania aff. polonica), and one desman (Des- mana cf. polonica) are described from a Late Pliocene (MN17) karst fissure filling near the city of Varshets. Although the material is relatively well preserved, the exact determi- nation was not possible because of the small samples and the fact that the taxonomy of the fossil forms from these groups is in a state of confusion. Up to now Late Pliocene remains of Scalopoides copernici and Quyania polonica have been known from Poland only. The occurrence of similar forms in Bulgaria during the Villanyian is considered as a relic situation, due to locally favorable conditions. The described insectivore assemblage is in- dicative of a temperate and humid climate, similar to the present-day conditions in SE Bulgaria.