Kolpochoerus phacochoeroides (Thomas, 1884)(Suidae, Mammalia), du Pliocène supérieur de Ahl al Oughlam (Casablanca, Maroc)

Abstract

All suid remains from the upper Pliocene of Ahl al Oughlam (Casablanca, Morocco) are refered to Kolpochoerus phacochoeroides Thomas, 1884 . This species differs from “ K.” afarensis and K. limnetes from East Africa by a shortened muzzle, large canines, even in females, reduced anterior premolars, and P4/ with a postero-lingual fovea. It belonged to a group of grazers which also included K. limnetes, K. paiceae from South Africa and the forest hog, among which K. limnetes split off first. Assuming an uniform rate of M3 lengthening, the age of Ahl al Oughlam can be estimated at 2.4 m.y. This age is in good agreement with the rest of the fauna.