Cyonasua zettii sp. nov. (Procyonidae, Mammalia) from the Late Miocene of Central Argentina and a review of the fossil record of Cerro Azul Formation

A detailed taxonomic study of all known fossil specimens assigned to Procyonidae from sediments of Cerro Azul Formation (early Huayquerian Stage/Age, Late Miocene) outcroping at La Pampa and Buenos Aires provinces (Argentina) is presented here. Our study led us to propose a new species, Cyonasua zettii sp. nov. coming from La Pampa Province. In addition another six specimens studied, coming from La Pampa and Buenos Aires provinces, are assigned to Cyonasua longirostris and four specimens are assigned to Cyonasua sp. because its fragmentary nature prevents a determination at species level. The specimens described here are among the oldest records for the Order Carnivora (Mammalia) in South America.

Automated summary

This study presents a detailed taxonomic analysis of fossil specimens belonging to Procyonidae from Cerro Azul Formation in Argentina. A new species, Cyonasua zettii sp. nov., was proposed based on specimens from La Pampa Province. Additionally, six specimens were assigned to Cyonasua longirostris and four specimens remained assigned to Cyonasua sp. due to their fragmented nature. These specimens represent some of the oldest known records of the Order Carnivora (Mammalia) in South America.