CUON ALPINUS (PALLAS, 1811) FROM THE LATE PLEISTOCENE SITE OF INGARANO (FOGGIA, SOUTHERN ITALY) AND INSIGHTS ON THE EURASIAN MIDDLE TO LATE PLEISTOCENE RECORD

In this study, we report for the first time the presence of Cuon alpinus from the Late Pleistocene site of Ingarano (Foggia, southern Italy), represented by an right upper first molar. Considering the intricate and debated taxonomy of fossil dholes, our comparative analyses on dental samples (P4, M1, and M1) of the extant and Middle to Late Pleistocene dholes from Europe, has been performed evidencing a relevant degree of morphological variability and a biometric uniformity of the considered teeth. Our results indicate the lack of clear morphological and biometric features for a reliable teeth-based classification of fossil dholes, questioning the validity of the fossil taxa currently proposed in the literature. Finally, to avoid the propagation of taxonomically questionable species, we suggest to refer all the Middle to Late Pleistocene material to Cuon alpinus.