?Amphibian and reptilian fauna from the early Miocene of Echzell, Germany

The present study describes a rich amphibian and reptilian assemblage from the early Miocene locality Echzell, Germany. It consists of one allocaudate, five salamander, frog, gecko, chamaeleonids, anguine lizards, lacertid, skink snake taxa. entire herpetofauna Echzell is represented by genera and/or families very broadly known Europe. Contrary to other herpetofaunas, includes surprisingly only form crocodile-newts ( Chelotriton ). Palaeobatrachus robustus represents youngest record species extends its stratigraphic range late Miocene. Regarding chameleons, frontal partly preserved, but first described extinct Chamaeleo andrusovi . lizard that can be identified in new genus Smithosaurus echzellensis. Our phylogenetic analyses consistently recovered it as sister taxon either [ Ophisauriscus quadrupes + Ophisaurus holeci ] Anguis (in analysis) or second analysis). However, results are based on limited fossil material – parietal support for clade low. Thus, interpretation relationship among anguines needs taken with caution has tested further studies. Among snakes, Natrix longivertebrata oldest this back In addition, we provide here broader comparison their European records MN3 MN4 biostratigraphical units. Besides that, forms. Remains groups same period such Bufonidae, Hylidae, Pelodytidae, Amphisbaenia, Varanidae, Cordylidae, Pseudopus , not found available us. We also conclude across MN3–MN4 significantly biased taphonomic environmental conditions. forms living humid warm environments forested areas, permanent water bodies some open habitats. following climatic parameters reconstructed herpetofauna: mean annual temperature 17.4–28.8 °C, minimal month 18–28.3 cold 8–22.2 precipitation value 791±254 mm.