The late Villafranchian (Early Pleistocene) carnivores (Carnivora, Mammalia) from Pirro Nord (Italy)

The carnivores from the Early Pleistocene faunal assemblage from fissure fillings in the area between Apricena and Poggio Imperiale (Gargano, Apulia, Italy) are herein described. The rich sample has been collected since 1980’s and is stored in different institutions (Florence, Roma Sapienza and Turin universities). Fourteen different taxa have been identified, with the canid Canis mosbachensis, the sabertoothed-cat Homotherium latidens and the giant hyaena Pachycrocuta brevirostris most frequently recorded. The Pirro Nord faunal assemblage presented here is a diversified sample providing valuable information on the evolution and ecology of Early Pleistocene carnivores.