Lyra sherkhana gen. et sp. nov., a new genus and species of giraffid from the Miocene of the Siwaliks (Pakistan)

Abstract

ABSTRACT The Siwalik Giraffidae fauna is diverse and includes species placed in Sivatheriinae, Giraffinae, and Giraffokeryx. We describe a new genus and species of giraffid, from the Middle Miocene of the Chinji Formation and Nagri Formation in Pakistan. Lyra sherkana gen. et sp. nov. et is unique among the Giraffidae due to the features of its cranial appendages. This taxon possesses a pair of ossicones that are positioned above and slightly medial to the orbits. The ossicones have a unique curvature resembling an ancient Greek harp or lyre, extending outwards and then curving forwards distally with a final backwards twist at the tip. The ossicones have a multi-layered surface. This new species also has large supraorbital sinuses, creating a large boss above the orbit. This last feature is only shared with the later and larger Bramatherium, which is the only giraffid known to also have an enlarged supraorbital boss. This suggests a possible relationship between these two taxa, both present in the Siwaliks, with Bramatherium appearing later than Lyra, during the Late Miocene. The presence of this new taxon increases the diversity not only of the Siwaliks fauna but of the Giraffidae family in general and helps shed light on the poorly known Middle Miocene giraffid faunas.