Quaternary elephants in Portugal: new data

Abstract

Key-Words: Elephants - Quaternary - Portugal. In this paper, a synopsis on the already known data, and the study of further specimens either new (*) or hitherto undescribed are presented. The specimens dealt with have been collected at the Condeixa travertines; in the Tagus terraces near Carregado (*) and at Foz do Enxarrique (*); in the Mousterian, about 31000 BP in filling from the Figueira Brava cave (*); and at AIgar de Joao Ramos (*). Some specimens are ascribed to Elephas antiquus, the best represented form. Material from Figueira Brava cave and AIgarde Joao Ramos is ascribed to Mammuthus primigenius,a species recognized here for the first time in Portugal.