The diversity of Glyptodontidae (Xenarthra, Cingulata) in the Tarija Valley (Bolivia): systematic, biostratigraphic and paleobiogeographic aspects of a particular assemblage

A revaluation on the main systematic, biostratigraphic and paleobiogeographic aspects of the Glyptodontidae fauna from the Pleistocene of Tarija Valley, Bolivia, are presented. The Glyptodontidae assemblage of this area is unique with respect to faunas known for other areas of South America. Some noteworthy features are the abundance of remains assignable to genus Glyptodon OWEN, and the scarcity or absence of others (Panochthus BURMEISTER and Neosclerocalyptus PAULA COUTO) that are very frequent in the fossil record of the Pampean and north-central regions of Argentina. The validity of Hoplophorus echazui HOFFSTETTER, as well as the presence of H. euphractus LUND and P. tuberculatus (OWEN) are questioned pending discovery of more complete materials. All specimens referred to Neothoracophorus AMEGHINO very probably correspond to subadult Glyptodon specimens. Biostratigraphically, all but one of the Glyptodon specimens resemble those from the Middle Pleistocene - Early Holocene (Bonaerian - Lujanian) of the Pampean region in Argentina. However, one of the specimens studied (MNPA-v 006118) from the locality Armados, corresponds to the species G. munizi AMEGHINO, restricted to the Ensenadan (Early Middle Pleistocene) in the Pampean region.