THE PALAEOENVIRONMENT OF SAMBURUPITHECUS KIPTALAMI BASED ON ITS ASSOCIATED FAUNA

Abstract

This paper analyzes the palaeoenvironment of the Late Miocene large hominoid, Samburupithecus kiptalami by using the mammalian faunal assemblages. It is based on the mammal fauna found at the hominoid sites, using the habitat preferences of extant mammals, the probable feeding preferences based on morphology of the teeth, the footprint fauna and the relative abundance of each mammal taxon. The habitat preferences of extant mammals and the probable feeding preferences in relative abundances of each mammal taxon suggest that the Upper Member of the Namurungule Formation is likely to have been open whereas the Lower one is likely to have included both open and wooded components. In fact, the faunal components are different at various places in the lower part of the formation. Near the hominoid bearing site, SH 22, the palaeoenvironment seems to have been more wooded. Several places are likely to have been open environments. The footprints suggest a swampland surrounded by savanna. Samburupithecus kiptalami was likely to have inhabited woodland surrounded by an open environment such as savanna and grassland.