HYSTRIX REFOSSA GERVAIS, 1852 FROM PIRRO NORD (EARLY PLEISTOCENE, SOUTHERN ITALY)

Abstract

We describe fossil remains attributable to genus Hystrix, collected from fissure filings in the area between Apricena and Poggio Imperiale (Apulia, Italy). The vertebrate assemblage that yielded these Hystrix remains is known in the literature as Pirro Nord, and is one of the richest Early Pleistocene mammal assemblages from Italy. The porcupine remains from Pirro Nord are attributed to the species Hystrix refossa. The problem of the taxonomy of Plio-Pleistocene hystricids in the framework of their morphological variability is discussed.