Chinji Formation Research Articles

Proboscideans from the middle Miocene deposits of Chabbar Syedan in Pakistan

New proboscidean fossils from the Middle Miocene outcrops of Chabbar Syedan in Pakistan are described. The specimens comprise dentary, tusk and symphysial fragments, together with isolated teeth representing four genera and five species: Prodeinotherium pentapotamiae; Deinotherium sp.; Protanancus chinjiensis; Gomphotherium cf. browni; and Gomphotherium sp. A dentary of P. chinjiensis and lower tusk fragment from an adult individual of G. browni are novel reports from the Siwalik Group. Part of a lower tusk with well-developed grooves and a dp2 of Gomphotherium sp. indicate that the Chinji Formation has another gomphotherid species with intermediate-sized tusk and unique dental morphology. The palaeobiogeographical and palaeoenvironmental implications of proboscideans within the context of the Siwalik Group are discussed. Muhammad K. Nawaz [khalilnawaz62@gmail.com], Muhammad A. Khan [akbaar111@gmail.com], Sayyed G. Abbas [ghyour.kazmi@gmail.com], Khalid Mahmood* [khalidkasuri1@gmail.com], Zaman Gul [zaman_gull_1990@hotmail.com] Dr. Abu Bakr Fossil Display and Research Centre, Institute of Zoology, Quaid-e-Azam Campus, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan; Muhammad A. Babar [babar.zool@uo.edu.pk], Department of Zoology, University of Okara, Okara; Atisham Abbas [syedatishamabbas@outlook.com], Department of Geology, University of the Punjab, Quaid-e-Azam Campus, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.

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

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.

New sivatheriine giraffid (Ruminantia, Mammalia) craniodental material from the Siwaliks of Pakistan

ABSTRACT We present a new taxonomic study of fossil giraffids from the Siwaliks of Pakistan. The recovered material belongs to the family Giraffidae and includes a cranium of Vishnutherium priscillum, maxillary isolated cheek teeth of Bramatherium grande, maxillary isolated cheek teeth and mandibular fragments of Bramatherium megacephalum. These specimens were collected from the localities of Dhok Bun Ameer Khatoon, Chakwal district, and Hasnot, Jhelum district, Punjab, Pakistan. These outcrops belong to the Chinji Formation and Dhok Pathan Formation, respectively, of lower to middle Siwaliks, dated as Middle to Late Miocene in age. The presence of fossil fauna that primarily fed on herbaceous, grassy, and bushy vegetation suggests that both Dhok Bun Ameer Khatoon and Hasnot were dominated by mixed woodland habitats. These localities have a very rich fossil fauna and the cranium of Vishnutherium priscillum is the first that has been reported from Dhok Bun Ameer Khatoon.

Structural and Stratigraphic Study of Hazara-Kashmir Syntaxis with the Aid of Geographic Information System and Field Data Approach

Abstract This research area is located along the Hazara-Kashmir Syntaxis in the sub-Himalaya. The Hazara-Kashmir Syntaxis runs through numerous areas within Mirpur district. One of the key characteristics of the Hazara-Kashmir Syntaxis is its antiformality. The project area is bounded to the east by the Riasi fault and to the west by the Jhelum fault, while to the south it is bounded by Salt Range Thrust. Research is being conducted in the areas of Narmah, Sahan, Pirgali, Kas Guma, Mohra Jangu, and Kalri. Fold-and-thrust belts are present in the sub-Himalayan region ofPakistan. Essentially, there are two major folds: the Sahan syncline and the Gaiyan anticline. The Sahan syncline is characterized by an open fold and a southwest orientation. In contrast, open-to-close folds in Gaiyan anticlines are oriented to the southwest. The area is characterized by five major faults: the Narmah fault, the Dhok Poran fault, the Dubal fault, the Pirgali fault, and the Jabi fault. Folds and faults in the project area are the product of NE-SW or NW-SE compaction of the Himalaya. In the research project area sedimentary rocks of Early Miocene- Recent age are located. The rocks which are exposed in the study area includes: the Early-Middle Miocene Kamlial Formation, Middle-Late Miocene Chinji Formation, Late-Miocene Nagri Formation, Late-Miocene Dhok Pathan Formation, Pliocene Soan Formation, and Quaternary Alluvium deposits. Sedimentary structures in the area consist primarily of crossed bedding and rip-ups. These structures define the facing of stratigraphic units.

MIDDLE MIOCENE ELACHISTOCERAS (BOVIDAE: MAMMALIA) FROM CHINJI FORMATION OF PAKISTAN: NEW REMAINS

New fossils of a small bovid are collected from the Chinji Formation of the Potwar Plateau, northern Pakistan. The fossils are assigned to Elachistoceras khauristanensis, based on the morphometric analysis. Elachistoceras is one of the smallest and a rare record of bovid species from the Siwaliks. This contribution presents additional anatomical and morphometrical information about the horn core of the smallest Miocene bovid E. khauristanensis.

Faunal Correlation of Middle Miocene Locality of Chabbar Syedan with Some Other Localities of Chinji Formation of Siwalik Group

Faunal Correlation of Middle Miocene Locality of Chabbar Syedan with Some Other Localities of Chinji Formation of Siwalik Group

Late Miocene ‘Martes’ lydekkeri (Mammalia: Carnivora: Mustelidae) from the Hasnot outcrops Punjab, Pakistan

ABSTRACT Two carnivoran mandibles were recovered from the Late Miocene Dhok Pathan Formation outcrops of Hasnot village of northern Pakistan. Thorough morphometric comparison of the specimens verifies an assignment to ‘Martes’ lydekkeri. The present specimens represent new records of this rare mustelid species and confirm the extension of its stratigraphic range from the Chinji Formation to the Dhok Pathan Formation.

Middle Miocene “Giraffa” from the Chinji Formation of Siwaliks, Pakistan

A comprehensive record of unique and endemic species of “Giraffa” priscilla has been documented and reported from the Chinji Formation of Lower Siwaliks, Pakistan. The material comprises incisors, canines, premolars, molars, mandibular and maxillary fragments which have been recovered from the Middle Miocene localities of Dhok Bun Ameer Khatoon, Rakh Wasnal, Bhelomar, and Lawa, Punjab, Pakistan. “Giraffa” priscilla is a primitive species of giraffids, having a broad crown, strong styles, and median ribs.

New fossil remains of proboscideans from the Siwalik group of Pakistan

ABSTRACT We have described here proboscideans fossil remnants which belong to six species: Prodeinotherium pentapotamiae, Gomphotherium browni, Choerolophodon corrugatus, Protanancus chinjiensis, and Elephas planifrons. The described specimens are collected from six different localities of the Siwaliks. These localities are Bhilomar, Chinji type section, Lawa, Dhok Bun Ameer Khatoon (Chinji Formation), Ochri (Dhok Pathan Formation) and Rathian (Pinjor Formation), belongs to the Lower to Upper Siwaliks, district Chakwal and Jhelum, Punjab, Pakistan. The specimens were collected from these localities after extensive fieldwork from 2015 to 2020, which confirms the presence of large mammalian fauna during the Middle Miocene to Late Pleistocene. Prodeinotherium pentapotamiae is rare taxa in the Middle Siwaliks of Pakistan, first time discovered from new fossil section Satroma wali dhal in the vicinity of the Dhok Bun Ameer Khatoon locality. Bhilomar is a less explored fossil locality belongs to the Chinji Formation, Gomphotherium browni and Choerolophodon corrugatus is reported from the Chinji type section. A beautiful juvenile mandibular ramus of Protanancus chinjiensis has been recovered first time from Lawa and Elephas planifrons were recovered from Rathian which belongs to Pinjor Formation dated as Plio-Pleistocene age of Upper subgroup of Siwaliks. Based on palaeoenvironment and stratigraphy the age of these localities is suggested as Miocene to Pleistocene. The recovered proboscideans fossil fauna indicates about the climatic changes and confirms that more seasonal extensive grasslands and savannah like ecosystem were present at that time.

New Carnivoran (Mammalia: Carnivora) specimens from the Siwaliks of Pakistan and India and their faunal and evolutionary implications

ABSTRACT Recently collected carnivoran specimens from the Siwalik Group of Pakistan are described and discussed. These specimens add to our knowledge of the previously known taxa while also adding to our biogeographic, stratigraphic, and temporal knowledge of the carnivorans from the Siwaliks. At least eight distinct taxa are identified, and although most specimens are fragmentary, some hyaenid specimens are identified further (e.g. Lycyaena and Ictitherium). We identify and describe the first herpestid fossils from the Chinji Formation, the first hyaenid (Lycyaena cf. L. dubia) from the Tatrot Formation, and the first definitive occurrence of Ictitherium (Ictitherium cf. I. viverrinum) from the Dhok Pathan Formation. We report the first occurrences of several taxa from various sites in the Siwaliks of Pakistan, including the first reports of any carnivorans from Dhok Milan, Kohtehra, and Lawa. Individual sites show a wide range of carnivoran biodiversity, however larger scale trends are more discernible when comparing those between formations in the Siwaliks. Several taxa disappear over time from the carnivoran fauna of the Siwaliks, starting with barbourofelines, and continuing with amphicyonids (and non-carnivoran hyaenodontids). Felids and mustelids are the most diverse carnivorans in the Siwaliks, while caniforms become more prevalent through time.

Distinction of Sivatherium from Libytherium and a new species of Libytherium (Giraffidae, Ruminantia, Mammalia) from the Siwaliks of Pakistan (Miocene)

This study deals with the issues around the synonymization of the large extinct giraffid genera Libytherium and Sivatherium. We performed a morphological and biometrical analysis of the cranial remains of these giraffid genera and resolved this question by formulating criteria to distinguish Libytherium from Sivatherium, and to justify their systematic position within the Giraffidae. The present study also reports a new species of the genus Libytherium, Libytherium proton nov. sp. from the Chinji Formation (late Middle Miocene) and the Dhok Pathan Formation (Late Miocene) of the Siwalik Group of the Indian subcontinent. This extends the biogeographic and biostratigraphic range of Libytherium because this taxon had never been reported from the Siwaliks, Asia and the Miocene before this study. This study also initiates a detailed reassessment of the African and Siwalik material currently attributed to genus Sivatherium (and some other genera) and their proper allocation within the Giraffidae.

A new genus of treeshrew and other micromammals from the middle Miocene hominoid locality of Ramnagar, Udhampur District, Jammu and Kashmir, India

AbstractThe fossil record of treeshrews, hedgehogs, and other micromammals from the Lower Siwaliks of India is sparse. Here, we report on a new genus and species of fossil treeshrew, specimens of the hedgehogGalerix, and other micromammals from the middle Miocene (Lower Siwalik) deposits surrounding Ramnagar (Udhampur District, Jammu and Kashmir), at a fossil locality known as Dehari. The treeshrew from Dehari (Sivatupaia ramnagarensisn. gen. n. sp.) currently represents the oldest record of fossil tupaiids in the Siwaliks, extending their time range by ca. 2.5–4.0 Myr in the region. Dietary analyses suggest that the new tupaiid was likely adapted for a less mechanically challenging or more frugivorous diet compared to other extant and fossil tupaiids. The occurrence ofGalerixhas only been recently documented from the Indian Siwaliks and the Dehari specimens help establish the likely presence of a relatively large SiwalikGalerixspecies in the Ramnagar region. In addition to the new treeshrew and hedgehogs, new specimens of the rodentsKanisamys indicus,Sayimys sivalensis, and Murinae indet. from Dehari help confirm that age estimates for the Ramnagar region are equivalent to the Chinji Formation in Pakistan, most likely corresponding to the middle to upper part of the Chinji Formation.UUID:http://zoobank.org/56fb160c-2df8-4cd3-be91-af4dc02d0979

First fossil of Varanus Merrem, 1820 (Squamata: Varanidae) from the Miocene Siwaliks of Pakistan

In the ‘50s of the XX century, a German expedition lead by Richard Dehm collected a large amount of fossil remains from northern Pakistan. Among these was an isolated trunk vertebra of a lizard, which is here referred to Varanus sp. The collecting site of this specimen is not precisely known, but it most likely comes from middle to early late Miocene Siwalik sediments of the Chinji Formation. This is the first published record of a fossil lizard from the Neogene of Pakistan and adds to the very patchy record of Varanus Merrem, 1820 in Asia. It further supports previous reconstructions of a warm climate for the middle to early late Miocene of the Siwaliks.

First record of Erinaceidae and Talpidae from the Miocene Siwalik deposits of India

ABSTRACT Dental remains of the erinaceid Galerix rutlandae and a talpid attributed to the subfamily Uropsilinae are reported, the first members of these families from the Miocene Siwalik exposures of India. They come from deposits equivalent to the Chinji Formation at Ramnagar, northwestern India. Uropsilinae is recorded for the first time from the Indian subcontinent. This finding extends the spatial range of the subfamily and indicates that this immigrant reached the Indian subcontinent from the west, but could not survive past the Miocene.

A new discovery of a Giraffokeryx skull and associated fossil assemblage of Ruminants from the Middle Miocene deposits of the Siwaliks

ABSTRACT A detailed taxonomic study of fossil ruminants from three localities of the Chinji Formation, Lower Siwaliks of the Siwalik Group, Pakistan has been carried out. These fossil sites; Dhok Bun Ameer Khatoon, Chinji type locality, and Lava have produced an important quantity of fossil fauna of the Middle Miocene age. Many new Ruminant samples have been collected including three different families Tragulidae, Giraffidae, and Bovidae. The 41 collected and described specimens belong to five species. Quantitatively, bovids and girafids provide evidence of small to medium size ruminants. The skull of Giraffokeryx punjabiensis has been reported for the first time from the locality Dhook Bun Ameer Khatoon. Giraffokeryx is the medium-sized member of the Giraffidae famed for its two pairs of horn cores. The litho-stratigraphic paleoenvironmental data of Chinji Formation (14.2–11.2 Mya) indicate that the Miocene climate of Pakistan was likely to be monsoonal and humid having extensive forest components and grasslands. Biogeographically, the Miocene fauna of Lower Siwaliks shows similarities with Eurasian and African Miocene sites. The composition of the fauna suggests a Middle Miocene age.

Middle Miocene Suids from Chinji Formation of Chabbar Syedan, Punjab, Pakistan

Middle Miocene Suids from Chinji Formation of Chabbar Syedan, Punjab, Pakistan

Structure and Stratigraphy of Rumbli and Panjar Areas of Kashmir and Pakistan with the Aid of GIS

ABSTRACT The project area lies in the southern part of the Hazara Kashmir syntaxis. The Hazara Kashmir syntaxis is an antiformal structure. The project area includes Rumbli, Namb, Chatrora, Chachan, Panjar, Barathian and Utrinna areas of Rawalpindi and Sudhnoti districts. The southeastern limb of the Hazara Kashmir syntaxis is imbricated along Punjal thrust, Main Boundary thrust and Riasi fault. The Jhelum fault truncates the western limb of Hazara Kashmir syntaxis. The core of syntaxis comprises of Himalayan molasse deposits. These molasse deposits represent the part of cover sequence of Indian plate. These Himalayan molasse deposits include the Early to Middle Miocene Kamlial Formation, Middle to Late Miocene Chinji Formation, Late Miocene Nagri Formation and Late Miocene Dhok Pathan Formation. The area is highly deformed resulting folds and faults. The major folds in the project area are the Panjar anticline, Barathian syncline, Barathian anticline, Rumbli anticline, Chatrora antiformal syncline and Namb syncline. The folds are either northwest-southeast trending or southwest-northeast trending. The folds are asymmetric, open, and gentle and close in nature. The folds are southwest, northeast or southeast vergent. The Jhelum fault truncates the northeast and northwest trending structures. The folds and faults are the result of northeast-southwest or northwest-southeast Himalayan compression.

The Geology And Structure of Neogene Rocks in Dadyaland Adjacent Areas, in The Sub-Himalayas, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

The project area lies along the western limb of the Hazara Kashmir Syntaxis. The Hazara Kashmir Syntaxis is an antiformal structure. The project area includes Dadyal, Bihari, Ratta, Sammorthala, Samlotha, Dhingar, Panwar and Karara Saiyidan. The Late Miocene to Recent Himalayan Neogene rocks are exposed in the core of the syntaxis. These Neogene rocks include the Kamlial Formation, Chinji Formation, Nagri Formation, Dhok Pathan Formation, Soan Formation and Recent alluvium. The major folds in the project area include the Mirpur syncline, Pheran Dinpur anticline and Sadaqabad Syncline. The folds are northwest-southeast trending and southwest or northeast vergent, asymmetric and open. The only fault in the project area is Ratta Fault. The Ratta Fault is a reverse fault. The northwest southeast trending folds and faults are the result of northeast southwest Himalayan compression in the area.

New Material ofListriodon guptaiPilgrim, 1926 (Mammalia, Suidae) from the Basal Manchar Formation, Sindh, Pakistan: Biochronological and Paleobiogeographic Implications

Abstract. New fossil material from the latest early Miocene Manchar Formation in the Ranikot area (Sindh, Pakistan) provides information about the poorly known listriodontine suid Listriodon guptai Pilgrim, 1926. Recognition of this taxon, initially described on the basis of a fragmentary upper molar, allows biochronologic correlations for the base of the Manchar Formation with penecontemporaneous formations of Pakistan where this taxon also occurs (Sulaiman Range and Potwar Plateau). Listriodon guptai may be closely related to the bunolophodont species Listriodon affinis of doubtful stratigraphic provenance and age in the Bugti Hills, as well as to the fully lophodont Listriodon pentapotamiae which occurs throughout the Chinji Formation in the Potwar Plateau. The early occurrence of these taxa pleads for an early diversification of the listriodonts in the Indo-Pakistan Subcontinent during the late early Miocene.

Progiraffa (Artiodactyla: Ruminantia: Giraffidae) from the Lower Siwalik Subgroup (Miocene) of Pakistan

Aftab, K., Khan, M.A., Ahmad, Z. & Akhtar, M., February 2016. Progiraffa (Artiodactyla: Ruminantia: Giraffidae) from the Lower Siwalik Subgroup (Miocene) of Pakistan. Alcheringa 40, xxx–xxx. ISSN 0311-5518Previously, Progiraffa exigua has been reported only from the Kamlial Formation (ca 18.3–14.2 Ma) of the Siwalik Group. We record Progiraffa exigua from the Lower Siwalik Subgroup at five localities: Jaba, Chinji Rest House, Rakh Wasnal, Dhok Bun Amir Khatoon and Ghungrila, Pakistan, thus extending the range of P. exigua to the Chinji Formation of the Siwalik Group (ca 14.2–11.2 Ma).Kiran Aftab [kiranaftab2012@gmail.com], Zaheer Ahmad [dr.zaheerahmed11@yahoo.com], Zoology Department, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan; Muhammad Akbar Khan [akbaar111@yahoo.ca], Muhammad Akhtar [drakhtarfdrc@hotmail.com], Dr Abu Bakr Fossil Display & Research Centre, Zoology Department, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.