An early pliocene pangolin (Mammalia; Pholidota) from Langebaanweg, South Africa

Abstract

ABSTRACT A fossil pangolin is described from the early Pliocene of Langebaanweg, South Africa. Morphological adaptations indicate that the specimen was not arboreal as are the living African species Manis tricuspis and M. tetradactyla, but was probably ground dwelling and may have engaged in a quadrupedal gait similar to that of the living representatives of the African species, Manis gigantea. In addition, it may have used its forelimbs for more extensive digging than does the living African Manis temminckii. The tail length, limb bone widths and proportions, and humeral morphology support the assignment of this specimen to Manis gigantea, making it the oldest known fossil representative of this species and the only confirmed fossil pangolin from South Africa.