Rongeurs et insectivores (Mammalia)du Pliocene final de Ahl Al Oughlam (Casablanca, Maroc)

Abstract

Late Pliocene Rodents from Ahl al Oughlam (Morocco) are known by several thousands of teeth, but include only 6 species. Hystrix and the Ctenodactylid Irhoudia are very rare; the Murids Paraethomys, Praomys and Mus are slightly more primitive than at Irhoud Ocre. A new species of Gerbillus is similar to G. campestris, despite its early age. Insectivora belong chiefly to the Soricids; the most common one is an “Episoriculus” similar to the one from Irhoud Ocre; a new species of Suncus is the first fossil of this genus in North-Africa; Erinaceus (Atelerix) is known by 2 teeth only. The microfauna is less diverse than in more recent sites, where the predominance of Gerbillids attests a more open and dry environment, and Ahl al Oughlam looks earlier than the late Pliocene climatic event.