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Hoplitomerycidae (Late Miocene, Italy), an Example of Giantism in Insular Ruminants

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Abstract

The remains of the largest Hoplitomeryx known to date have been retrieved from the upper Miocene limestones of Scontrone (Abruzzo, central Italy). Hoplitomerycidae derived from small-sized Oligocene Tragulina ruminants. Therefore, this is the first giant insular ruminant ever described. Insular giantism has been notoriously exhibited by other taxa, such as rodents. It is suspected for the largest Cretan deer Candiacervus, if these cervids monophyletically are derived from Dama. This large Hoplitomeryx was a lightly built animal with long, slender limbs. This case shows not only that insular giantism can be attained also on large islands, but confirms that it can be promoted by competitive release and immigrant selection.

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Acknowledgments

We are greatful to two anonymous reviewers who substantially improved this article. The study was financed by MIUR (Ministry of Education, University and Research grants: PRIN 2009MSSS9L_002 - resp. P.P.A. Mazza) funds.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Earth Sciences, University of Florence, via La Pira 4, 50121, Florence, Italy

    Paul Peter Anthony Mazza

  2. Geological and Paleontological Service, The Regional Board of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Environmental Conservation of Abruzzo, via degli Agostiniani 14, 66100, Chieti, Italy

    Maria Adelaide Rossi & Silvano Agostini

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  1. Paul Peter Anthony Mazza
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  2. Maria Adelaide Rossi
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  3. Silvano Agostini
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Correspondence to Paul Peter Anthony Mazza.

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Mazza, P.P.A., Rossi, M.A. & Agostini, S. Hoplitomerycidae (Late Miocene, Italy), an Example of Giantism in Insular Ruminants. J Mammal Evol 22, 271–277 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10914-014-9277-2

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