The equids from Liventsovka and other localities of the Khaprovskii Faunal Complex, Russia: A revision

The age and homogeneity of the Khaprovskii Faunal Complex have been a matter of debate for a long time. This works provides the most complete information (photographs and numerical data) ever published on the equid remains of this Complex. Evidence is given for the presence of no less than three, possibly six taxa of Equids. Most fossils are referred to Equus (Allohippus) aff. major and to Equus (Allohippus) livenzovensis, both redefined on the basis of correlations between cranial and metapodial dimensions. Comparisons with Chinese fossils bring evidence for their age approximating 2.5 Ma. A third very large species is represented by a few teeth and metapodials which may have been intrusive. It is referred to E. (Sussemionus) aff. verae because of similarities with the NE Siberian species believed to be about 1 myr old. Accumulation of fossils during a long period is probably responsible for the large intraspecific variation observed in E. (A.) major and E. (A.) livenzovensis and for the occurrence of several other equid forms. Possible intrusions may also explain the abnormal number of observed taxa. Resemblances with Chinese and NE Siberian fossils indicate Asian influences on the composition of the Khaprovskii Faunal Complex.