The Large Porcupine Hystrix refossa (Rodentia, Hystricidae) from the Early Pleistocene Taurida Locality in Crimea.

Abstract

The remains of large porcupines (an incomplete skull, cranial and mandibular fragments, isolated teeth and postcranial bones) from the Early Pleistocene Taurida cave locality in central Crimea (Belogorsk district, Zuya village) are referred to the species Hystrix (Hystrix) refossa Gervais, 1852, which has not been reported from Crimea previously. Based on the stages of eruption, replacement and attrition of the lower dentition, the presence of individuals of six age categories, from juvenile to senile, was established. One dentary shows an intravital loss of cheek teeth, presumably caused by abnormal development of their roots and sockets.