Pleistocene mammals of Mediterranean islands

Abstract

This paper provides a synthesis and an integration of the current knowledge on Pleistocene mammals from the main Mediterranean islands. New evidence enables us to consider faunal complexes, paleobiodiversity, degree of endemism and ways of dispersals into a chronological frame. The Balearic Islands developed an endemic fauna from mainland ancestors spreading during the Messinian. Sardinia and Corsica have had a Pliocene–Early Pleistocene fauna spread from mainland during the Messinian. The arrivals after this time can be related to occasional spreading. During the Early Pleistocene and early Middle Pleistocene, Sicily and Malta acted as an archipelago made up of small islands. Since late Middle Pleistocene, Sicily has been a large island with frequent faunal exchanges with the mainland. During Early Pleistocene and Early Middle Pleistocene, Crete was an archipelago occasionally reached by mammals; communications with the mainland have probably been easier since the late Middle Pleistocene. Cyprus has been completely isolated and developed a strongly endemic and impoverished fauna.