New remains of Nothrotheriinae (Mammalia, Xenarthra) from Late Pleistocene fluvial deposits of Northern Pampa (Santa Fe Province, Argentina)

In this contribution the record of a Nothrotheriinae (Xenarthra, Tardigrada) ground sloth is reported from the Late Pleistocene of the Northern Pampa of Santa Fe Province, Argentina. The stratigraphic unit where the fossil was collected corresponds to fluvial-palustrine sediments of the Timbues Formation, outcropping along the Carcarana River valley. The relative stratigraphic position of this lithostratigraphic unit, observed in several sections mainly on the Parana River cliffs near Carcarana River distal area, suggests that it was deposited during the Last Interglacial Stage. The specimen (MPAHND-135), assigned to Nothrotherium cf. torresi, is represented by the proximal two-thirds of a left femur that shows a prominent lesser trochanter and no connection between the third trochanter and the ectepicondyle. The presence of Nothrotherium cf, torresi in sediments related to humid conditions supports the idea that Nothrotheriinae had great ecological tolerance and was capable of inhabiting climates ranging from cold and arid, as was previously proposed, to warm and humid.