New evidence for the unique coexistence of two subfamilies of clawed perissodactyls (Mammalia, Chalicotheriidae) in the Upper Miocene of Romania and the Eastern Mediterranean

Abstract Chalicotheres are a peculiar group of large herbivorous mammals, closely related to extant tapirs, rhinoceroses, and horses, but with claws instead hooves. The family Chalicotheriidae consists two subfamilies, the Schizotheriinae Chalicotheriinae. Herein we present chalicothere remains from Upper Miocene locality Pogana 1 in Romania, identifying schizotheriine Ancylotherium pentelicum an indeterminate chalicotheriine that were both found same stratigraphic layer. Thus, represents one very few confirmed cases co-occurrence subfamilies within fossiliferous horizon fossil site. A detailed review all localities where have been reported co-occur shows this is rare phenomenon almost exclusively observed Turolian Balkan-Iranian zoogeographical province. This probably due provincial differences palaeoenvironment. data presented here support hypothesis diverse mosaic environment province closed environments open habitats was able sustain rich mammal fauna.