Updated Neogene mammalian biochronology and biogeography of Morocco

Abstract

ABSTRACT The mammalian localities of the upper Neogene in Morocco are now relatively more numerous following the discoveries in recent decades. Most of these Mio-Pliocene deposits occur in formations in continental basins and have yielded almost exclusively micromammals. Only Beni Mellal, Guefaït-4, Ahl Al Oughlam and Tizi N’Taddert are the only localities that have yielded abundant remains of large mammals from the Neogene in Morocco. The data acquired from all of these deposits currently make it possible to better understand the stratigraphy of the Mio-Pliocene sedimentary basins and to establish correlations between these fossiliferous localities. However, these localities are not distributed stratigraphically in a regular way so as to mark out the different stages of this period. The locations of the Lower Miocene are unknown. Those of the Middle Miocene are interesting although few in number. The Upper Miocene localities are more numerous and are distributed between the equivalent of biozones MN9 to MN13. Late Miocene and early Pliocene localities document exchanges of fauna between southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa. Pliocene localities are rare and particularly those which have provided macro-mammals. Although extremely rare, radiometric dating of sections in certain basins has enabled precise ages to be attributed to many deposits.