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| Rothwell, T. | |
| A Partial Skeleton of_ Pseudaelurus_ (Carnivora:Felidae) from the Namb‚ Member of the Tesuque Formation, Espa¤ola Basin, New Mexico | |
| 2001 American Museum Novitates (3342): 1-31 | |
I describe a partial felid skeleton of _Pseudaelurus validus, _new species, from the early Miocene, late Hemingfordian of New Mexico. This is the earliest known felid from North America having cranial, upper, and lower dentition as well as postcranial information. A nearly complete set of limb bones provides the first insight into the morphometry of this lynx to puma-sized cat. The skull, similar to that of the earlier European _Proailurus lemanensis, _displays a high and thin sagittal crest with prominent nuchal crests. In the auditory region, the tympanic bulla architecture resembles that of _Proailurus _and relates to modern felids. The skeleton includes an articulated manus and pes with an apparently functional first metatarsal bone, hitherto unknown in the genus _Pseudaelurus. _Log-ratio diagrams are used to compare this skeleton with various extinct and modern felids. Dental morphology, as well as the new postcranial information revealed by this skeleton, is contrasted with that of other felids. |
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