Additional Quaternary Faunal Remains from the Middle–Late Pleistocene Deposits of Purna Alluvial Basin, Maharashtra, Central India

Abstract

One of the important fossiliferous localities being surveyed in recent years is the less known Purna Valley in Central India (Figure 1). However, the adjoining regions like the Central Narmada Valley have yielded numerous faunal remains in the past and these have been reported from time to time. In this context the Purna Valley assumes significant importance in the region. In fact, this area had remained less explored for a long time (Tables 1 and 2). Renewed efforts in this area have brought to light fossils from Bovidae, Equidae, Cervidae, Elephantidae and other groups like reptiles (turtles) and invertebrate fossils (molluscan shells) which are under study (Figure 2). In this study, the genus Elephas is reported from the Purna Basin. On the whole the material is well preserved and similar to that of the Narmada Valley. It throws enough light on the distribution pattern of these animals in Central and peninsular river valleys of India.