The Deinotherium (Proboscidea, Mammalia): an abnormal tusk from Lisbon, the Miocene record in Portugal and the first appearance datum. Evidence from Lisbon, Portugal

Abstract

Key-words: Deinoiherium; 1st arrival; end of Lower Miocene; lower Middle Miocene; accurate dating; Portugal. An exceptionally favourable stratigraphic and chronologie context concerning the Miocene series in Lisbon allows us to stress that there are two successive data as far as the Proboscideans' immigration into western Europe is concerned: firstly, that of Gomphotheres, and later that of Deinotheres. The study of a Langhian (in age) tusk has shown that Deinotherium bavaricum was still present then. The time span of this species could be accurately recognized. A discussion on the genus Deinotherium is presented., as well as its occurrence in Portugal and on its ecologic meaning.