VIVERRA HOWELLI N. SP., A NEW VIVERRID (CARNIVORA, MAMMALIA) FROM THE BACCINELLO-CINIGIANO BASIN (LATEST MIOCENE, ITALY)

Abstract

We describe a new viverrid species (Viverra howelli n. sp.). Viverra howelli n. sp. is identified in Late Miocene (Messinian) localities in the circum Mediterranean area (Italy and Lybia) and in East Africa (Kenya). Morphologically, the new species is characterized by a relatively small size and a lower carnassial with short talonid.