Taxonomical revision of “Arctonyx” fossil remains from the Liucheng Gigantopithecus Cave (South China) by means of morphotype and morphometrics, and a review of Late Pliocene and Early Pleistocene Meles fossil records in China

Abstract “ Arctonyx ” fossil remains from the Liucheng Gigantopithecus Cave, Guangxi, are redescribed and analysed in details. Detailed tooth character differences between Arctonyx and Meles are analysed. It is shown that materials from the Liucheng Gigantopithecus Cave actually belong to two species of Meles : Meles minor and Meles magnus n. sp. At the same time, a review of Late Pliocene and Early Pleistocene Meles records in China is made. During Late Pliocene, Meles are only represented by M. chiai and one archaic form. During Early Pleistocene, Meles from northern and central part of China are represented by two nearly sympatric species Meles chiai and Meles teihardi . Meles from South China are represented by M. minor and M. magnus n. sp., though the distribution of the two species is still unclear. M. magnus n. sp. is so far only known from the Liucheng Gigantopithecus Cave, whereas M. minor is probably also known from Longgupo, Chongqing in the central part of China besides Liucheng. Great diversity of Meles in Early Pleistocene in China indicates that the genus radiated earlier than previously thought. Phylogenetic analysis suggests M. magnus n. sp. is sister group to living M. leucurus , whereas M. minor and M. chiai are early branches in Meles evolution.