A partial skeleton of Pseudaelurus (Carnivora, Felidae) from the Nambé Member of the Tesuque Formation, Española Basin, New Mexico. American Museum novitates ; no. 3342

Abstract

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.