Late Aquitanian mammals from Engehalde (Molasse Basin, Canton Bern, Switzerland)

The construction of the Neufeld tunnel in Bern city (2006-2008) led to the discovery of fossil mammals in the vicinity of the historical site of Engehalde. The study of the whole available sample led to the distinction of two mammal assemblages: (1) the historical level with the rhinocerotids Diaceratherium lemanense and D. agthense, and the ruminant Andeganteryx cf. laugnacensis; (2) the Neufeld level with the artio-dactyls Dremotherium feignouxi and Cainotherium sp., the carnivore Plesiogale angustifrons, and the glires Eucricetodon cf. aquitanicus, Peridyromys sp., and Prolagus vasconiensis. These two assemblages attest to a latest Aquitanian age (MN2b) for the last deposits of the 'Lower Freshwater Molasse' in the area. The palaeoecological analysis of the faunas indicates either the co-occurrence or the very short-termed succession of assorted terrestrial environments, ranging from forested habitats nearby water bodies or nearby steady rivers to open well-drained habitats within the hinterland. (C) 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.