Hidden in plain sight: reassessment of the pig-footed bandicoot, Chaeropus ecaudatus (Peramelemorphia, Chaeropodidae), with a description of a new species from central australia, and use of the fossil record to trace its past distribution Author Travouillon, Kenny J. Author Simões, Bruno F. Author Miguez, Roberto Portela Author Brace, Selina Author Brewer, Philippa Author Stemmer, David Author Price, Gilbert J. Author Cramb, Jonathan Author Louys, Julien text Zootaxa 2019 2019-03-13 4566 1 1 69 journal article 28360 10.11646/zootaxa.4566.1.1 5be04284-fa94-4421-950c-44e924e7bdec 1175-5326 2593630 4D8BAEF5-AED6-4973-897C-96C5945E3710 Chaeropus ecaudatus occidentalis Gould 1845 new status ( Fig. 5–7 ) Holotype . NHMUK ZD 1844.7 .9.22, female, study skin with associated partial skull and dentaries, from Walyormourning near Goomallig, ~ 65 km ( 40 miles ) north-east of Northam, Western Australia , collected by John Gilbert and presented to the museum by John Gould. Referred specimens (modern). JM 770, partial skull (subfossil); WAM M49055 , right dentary with p2–3, m1–4; AMNH 196372, left maxilla and left and right dentary (do not belong to same individual). Referred specimens (fossil). From the Nullarbor plains, Kestrel Cave 1, NHMUK PV M 102256 , left maxilla with P3-M4 ; NHMUK PV M 102257 , left dentary with p3 and m4 ; NHMUK PV M 102258 , left edentulous dentary ; WAM 64.11 .66, crushed skull with left P3, M1, right P1, P3, M1, M3 ; WAM 68.11 .32, right dentary with m1 ; WAM 68.11 .33, right dentary with p3 ; WAM 68.11 .34, right dentary with p3, m4 ; WAM 68.11 .35, right dentary with p1, p3 ; WAM 68.11 .36, right dentary with p1 ; WAM 68.11.37-53, right edentulous dentary; WAM 68.11 .54, right dentary with m 4 in crypt ; WAM 68.11.55-56, right edentulous dentary; WAM 68.11 .57, right dentary with p 3 in crypt ; WAM 68.11 .58, left dentary with p2 ; WAM 68.11 .59, left dentary with m3 ; WAM 68.11 .60, right maxilla with M1 ; WAM 68.11 .61, right maxilla with P3, M1–4 ; WAM 68.11 .62, right maxilla with P1, M1–4 ; WAM 68.11 .63, right maxilla with M1 ; WAM 68.11 .64, right edentulous maxilla ; WAM 68.11 .65, right maxilla with P1 ; WAM 71.3 .141, skull with left and right P3, M1–4; Firestick Cave , WAM 66.3 .19, right edentulous dentary ; WAM 67.4 .324, left maxilla with M1–2 ; WAM 67.4 .325, left edentulous dentary ; WAM 67.4 .326, left dentary with c1 ; WAM 67.4 .327, left dentary with p1–2; Doline north of Eucla , WAM 67.10 .460, left dentary with m4 ; WAM 67.4 .338, right dentary with m3 ; WAM 67.4 .339, right edentulous dentary ; WAM 67.4 .340, left edentulous dentary; Old Homestead Cave , WAM 67.4 .78, right dentary with p2 ; WAM 67.4 .79, left dentary with p1, p3, m3–4 ; WAM 67.4 .80, left edentulous dentary ; WAM 67.4 .113, Skull with left M1, M3, right P2–3, M1–2; Blowhole , WAM 67.4 .313, skull with left and right M1 ; WAM 67.4 .314, right dentary with p3, m1, m3–4 ; WAM 67.4 .315, right dentary with p1, p3, m4 ; WAM 67.4 .316, left dentary with p1 ; WAM 67.4 .317, left dentary with m4 ; WAM 67.4 .318, left dentary with m 4 in crypt ; WAM 67.4 .319, left dentary with c1 ; WAM 67.4.320–323, left edentulous dentary; Warbla Cave , WAM 67.4 .328, right maxilla with M3 ; WAM 67.4.329–331, left edentulous dentary; WAM 67.4 .332, left dentary with p3 ; WAM 67.4 .333, left dentary with m3; Mullamullang Cave , WAM 67.4 .334, right maxilla with M3 ; WAM 67.4 .335, left edentulous dentary ; WAM 67.4.336–337, right edentulous dentary; WAM 68.3 .32, right dentary with m2–4; Dingo Cave , WAM 68.11.77–78, right edentulous dentary; Horseshoe Cave , UCMP 97482 , right dentary with m2–4 and right maxilla with P3 erupting, M1–2 ; UCMP 97483 , right dentary with p2, m2 ; WAM 68.11 .83, right edentulous dentary ; WAM 68.11 .84, left edentulous dentary ; WAM 71.5 .1, skull with associated dentaries ; WAM 72.1 .12, right maxilla with M1 ; WAM 72.1 .13, right dentary with p3, m3 ; WAM 72.1 .35, left and right edentulous dentary ; WAM 72.1 .49, left edentulous dentary ; WAM 72.1 .50, left dentary with p1, p3, m2–4 ; WAM 72.1 .64, left edentulous dentary ; WAM 72.1 .86, left edentulous dentary ; WAM 72.1 .101, left dentary with p3, m4 ; WAM 72.1 .102, right dentary with m4 ; WAM 72.1 .103, right dentary with p1 ; WAM 72.1 .104, left maxilla with M1 ; WAM 72.1 .105, right maxilla with P3 ; WAM 72.1 .106, right maxilla with M1–4 ; WAM 72.1 .124, right maxilla with M1–2, M4 ; WAM 72.1 .125, left maxilla with P3, M1, M3–4 ; WAM 72.1 .138, two right edentulous dentary ; WAM 72.1 .159, left maxilla with M2 ; WAM 72.1 .160, left dentary with m2 ; WAM 72.1 .195, left edentulous dentary ; WAM 72.1 .222, left edentulous dentary ; WAM 72.1 .247, left edentulous dentary ; WAM 72.1 .386, right edentulous dentary ; WAM 72.1 .444, left dentary with p3 erupting ; WAM 72.1 .464, left maxilla with M1–2 ; WAM 72.1 .487, right edentulous dentary ; WAM 72.1 .514, two right maxillae, one left dentary and three right dentaries ; WAM 72.1 .542, right maxilla with M1–3 and right edentulous dentary ; WAM 72.1 .561, right dentary with c1 ; WAM 72.1 .580, right dentary with m4 ; WAM 72.1 .581, left maxilla with M3–4 ; WAM 72.1 .582, right maxilla with P3, M1 ; WAM 72.1 .605, right dentary with m4 ; WAM 72.1 .627, left dentary with p2 ; WAM 72.1 .628, right maxilla with M1 ; WAM 72.1 .659, right maxilla with P3, M1–4 ; WAM 72.1.660–661, right maxilla with P3, M1; WAM 72.1 .662, left maxilla with P 3 in crypt ; WAM 72.1 .663, right maxilla with P 3 in crypt ; WAM 72.1 .664, right dentary with p2 ; WAM 72.1 .665, left dentary with p1 ; WAM 72.1 .666, left dentary with m3–4 ; WAM 72.1 .667, right dentary with p2, p 3 in crypt ; WAM 72.1 .707, right maxilla with M1 ; WAM 72.1 .708, left maxilla with M1 ; WAM 72.1 .728, right maxilla with M1, M3 ; WAM 72.1 .729, right maxilla with P3, M3–4 ; WAM 72.1 .730, right maxilla with M1, M4 ; WAM 72.1 .731, right maxilla with M1 ; WAM 72.1 .732, left maxilla with P3, M3 ; WAM 72.1 .764, left maxilla with P3, M1–4 ; WAM 72.1 .765, left maxilla with M1 ; WAM 72.1 .766, right maxilla with M1 ; WAM 72.1 .767, left dentary with p3, m4 ; WAM 72.1 .796, left dentary with p1, m2–4 ; WAM 72.1 .817, right dentary with p3 erupting ; WAM 72.1 .842, right maxilla with M1–2 ; WAM 72.1 .870, left dentary with p3 ; WAM 72.1 .895, skull with left and right M1–4 ; WAM 72.1 .896, left dentary with p3, m3–4 ; WAM 72.1 .921, left maxilla with M1 ; WAM 72.1 .955, right edentulous dentary ; WAM 72.1 .964, right maxilla with M1–4 ; WAM 72.1 .965, right dentary with p3, m4 ; WAM 72.1 .966, left dentary with p3 erupting ; WAM 72.1 .967, left edentulous dentary ; WAM 72.1 .986, right dentary with m3 ; WAM 72.1 .1012, left dentary with p3, m1–4 ; WAM 72.1 .1020, right edentulous dentary ; WAM 72.1 .1031, right m2 ; WAM 72.1 .1042, right P1 ; WAM 72.1 .1091, skull edentulous ; WAM 72.1 .1092, skull with left and right P3, M1–4 ; WAM 72.1 .1093, skull with left P3, M1, M4, right P3, M1 ; WAM 72.1 .1094, skull with left and right P3, M1–4 ; WAM 72.1 .1095, skull with left and right M1 ; WAM 72.1 .1096, right dentary with m4 ; WAM 73.3.19– 20, left edentulous dentary; WAM 73.3 .21, right dentary with p1–3, m2 ; WAM 73.3 .22, left maxilla with M3–4 ; WAM 73.3 .23, left maxilla with erupting P3, M1 ; WAM 73.3.24–27, right maxilla with M1; Cave south of Madura , WAM 68.3 .18, skull edentulous; Leaena’s Breath Cave , WAM 0 5.4.48 , left maxilla with M2; from Wilgie Mia , layer 3 , WAM 73.1 .160, femur; talus below 5 , WAM 73.1 .168, left and right maxilla and associated left and right dentaries; layer 9/11 , WAM 73.1 .202, left and right maxilla and associated left and right dentaries; layer 14 , WAM 73.1 .220, leg bone; layer 15 , WAM 73.1 .221, tibia; layer 20 , WAM 73.1 .237, femur; layer 22 , WAM 73.1 .242, humerus; from Yaringa Station , WAM 82.7 .6, left edentulous dentary ; KJT0009 , right maxilla with M1–2 ; KJT0010 , left edentulous maxilla ; KJT0011 , right edentulous maxilla ; KJT0012 , left edentulous maxilla ; KJT0013 , right m3 ; KJT0014–0015 , right edentulous dentary ; KJT0033–0034 , right edentulous maxilla ; KJT0035 , right edentulous dentary ; KJT0036 , left edentulous dentary; from MacDonnell Ranges , WAM 83.11 .25, left edentulous dentary; from Mount Gould , WAM 17.1 .3, right dentary with p1, m4 talonid; from White Cloud Cliffs , KJT0024 , left dentary with m3 ; KJT0025 , left edentulous dentary ; KJT0026 , left dentary with m4 erupting ; KJT0027 , left edentulous dentary ; KJT0028–0029 , right edentulous dentary; from Winderie Station , KJT0056 , left maxilla with M1–2 ; KJT0057 , right maxilla with M1–2 ; KJT0058 , left edentulous dentary ; KJT0059 , right edentulous dentary; from Narring Range , KJT0060 , right edentulous maxilla ; KJT0061 , right M1 ; KJT0062 , left dentary with m4 erupting ; KJT0063 , right dentary with m4 erupting ; KJT0064 , right edentulous dentary ; KJT0065 , left dentary with m4 erupting; from Tallering Gorge , KJT0066 , left dentary and right edentulous maxilla ; KJT0067 , right dentary and left edentulous maxilla; from Tallering Hill , KJT0070 , left edentulous maxilla ; KJT0071 , right maxilla with M1–2 ; KJT0072 , right maxilla with M3 ; KJT0073–0074 , right edentulous maxilla ; KJT0075 , right maxilla P3 erupting ; KJT0076 , right edentulous dentary ; KJT0077 , left edentulous dentary ; KJT0078 , right edentulous dentary ; KJT0079–0080 , left edentulous dentary ; KJT0081 , right dentary with m4 erupting ; KJT0082 , right dentary with m2–4 ; KJT0083 , right maxilla with M1 ; KJT0084 , left edentulous dentary ; KJT0085–0087 , right edentulous dentary ; KJT0088 , left edentulous dentary ; KJT0089 , right edentulous dentary ; KJT0090 , left dentary with c1 ; KJT0091 , right dentary with p3 erupting, m3 ; KJT0092 , left dentary with p1, m2 ; KJT0093 , left dentary with c1, p1, p3, m3–4; from Mount Gibson Station , KJT0095 , left maxilla with M1; from Bimbijy Station , KJT0096 , right dentary with m1; from Burnerbinmah Station , KJT0097 , left edentulous maxilla ; KJT0098–0099 , right edentulous maxilla ; KJT0100–0101 , left maxilla with M1–2 ; KJT0102 , right maxilla with P2, M1–2 ; KJT0103–0104 , left edentulous dentary ; KJT0105–0106 , right edentulous dentary ; KJT0107 , right m3 ; KJT0108 – 0 109, left m1; from Mudan Hills , KJT0110 , left dentary with m4 erupting ; KJT0111 , left edentulous dentary ; KJT0112 , right dentary with m4 erupting ; KJT0113 , right dentary with m2, m4 erupting ; KJT0114 , left m1 ; KJT0115 , left m3 . FIGURE 5 . Skin of Chaeropus ecaudatus occidentalis . a)–c), NHMUK ZD 1844.7.9.22, holotype, adult female. a), dorsal view; b), lateral view; c), ventral view. Scale = 7 cm. Emended diagnosis. Chaeropus ecaudatus occidentalis differs from C. e. ecaudatus in having grey pelage ventrally, longer ears ( 60 mm in C. e. occidentalis , 50–56 mm in C. e. ecaudatus ), larger medial accessory palatal fenestrae, thinner bridge between the maxillopalatine fenestrae and maxillary fenestrae, and smaller upper and lower premolars and molars on average. C. e. occidentalis differs from C. yirratji sp. nov. in having shorter hindfeet and tail; having maxillary fenestrae; having distinct medial accessory palatal fenestrae; having the paracone connecting to StB only on M1 (in unworn teeth); having a reduced metaconule on M1–3, making the molars more triangular in shape; carotid foramen opens ventrally; StD1 absent on M1; metacone of M4 is large; and the paracristid on m1 is continuous. Remarks. The holotype is the only specimen that was collected alive in Western Australia . As a result, it is impossible to know the variation in external features that may have occurred in the Western Australian population. However, the features in the skull that are different from those seen in specimens on the eastern side of Australia can be easily compared to the many subfossil skulls recovered on the Nullarbor Plains (including western South Australia ), and elsewhere in Western Australia (except in central and northern parts). Because those distinct features are consistent, we consider that they warrant distinction at subspecific level (see discussion). FIGURE 6 . Skulls and dentary of Chaeropus ecaudatus occidentalis . a)–f), NHMUK ZD 1844.7.9.22, holotype, adult female; g)–i), QM JM 770, adult subfossil; j), WAM 71.3.141, adult subfossil; k), WAM 71.5.1, adult subfossil. a), g), f), dorsal/ occlusal view; b), h), e), lateral/buccal view; c), i), j), k), ventral view; d), lingual view. Scale = 2 cm. FIGURE 7. Upper and lower dentition of Chaeropus ecaudatus occidentalis . a), d), NHMUK ZD 1844.7.9.22, holotype, adult female; b), QM JM 770, adult subfossil; c), e), WAM 71.5.1, adult subfossil. a)–c), upper dentition in occlusal view; d)–e), lower dentition in occlusal view. Scale = 2mm. TABLE 3 . Raw dental measurements for all modern specimens examined.
Taxon Specimen # Side P1L P1W P2L P2W P3L P3W M1L M1W M2L M2W M3L M3W M4L M4W
C. e. ecaudatus AM PA422 L 2.4 6 1.0 5 2.69 1.2 7 4.14 3.41 2.8 5 3.7 1 2.80 3.8 2
R 2.45 0.98 2.60 1.2 7 4.1 8 3.5 3 2.99 3.77 3.3 1 4.0 5
C. e. ecaudatus NHMUK 1 8 42.2.1.33 L
R 2.2 1.0 6
C. e. ecaudatus NHMUK 1 8 4 8.1.2 7.4 0 L 2.2 0.86 2.4 1.22 2.1 2.5 3 4.3 3.41 2.9 3.93 3 3.9 4 1.7 3.4 9
R 2.2 0.9 2.4 1.24 2.3 2.2 7 4.2 3.4 3 3 3.6 2 3 3.8 2 1.7 3.6
C. e. ecaudatus NHMUK 1 8 4 8.1.2 7.41 L 2.4 0.9 4 2.5 1.12 2.8 2 4.3 3.54 2.9 3.77 3 3.97 2.2 3.37
R 2.4 0.9 2.5 1.1 9 2.5 2.3 2 4.3 3.6 2 3 3.97 3 4.0 7 2 3.5 8
C. e. ecaudatus NMV C2 900 L 2.37 0.96 2.7 4 1.22 2.76 2.0 8 4.1 0 3.66 2.9 4 3.77 2.89 3.83 2.0 6 3.39
R 2.39 0.9 1 2.70 1.3 1 2.67 2.1 9 4.0 4 3.51 2.96 3.70 2.9 1 3.9 5 1.83 3.42
C. e. occidentalis AMNH 1 9637 2 L 2.5 9 4.0 1 1.76 3.37
R
C. e. occidentalis QM JM770 L 3.6 5 3.09 2.6 4 3.68 2.54 3.68 1.55 3.07
R 2.11 1.9 4 3.70 3.06 2.69 3.78 2.55 3.88 1.5 9 3.30
C. e. occidentalis NHMUK 1 8 44.7.9.22 L 2.4 0.86 3 1.12 2.7 1.8 3.7 2.9 1 2.7 3.4 6 2.5 3.5 6 1.8 3.2 6
R 2.4 0.8 5 2.7 1.11 2.5 1.8 5 3.7 2.9 2.8 3.5 2.7 3.93 1.8 3.3 5
C. yirratji MAGNT U1 8 14 L
C. yirratji NHMUK 1 8 5 7.1 0.24.1 9 L 1.9 0.78 2.2 0.99 3.5 3.76 2.9 4.0 2
R 1.9 0.8 4 2.2 1.2 4.0 3
C. yirratji NMV C4 68 L 2.15 0.8 2 2.4 9 0.98 2.3 1 1.98 3.97 3.73 2.79 4.4 3 2.7 5 4.30 1.67 3.9 5
R 2.11 0.79 2.5 6 1.0 7 2.44 2.0 8 3.73 3.83 2.7 1 4.2 7 2.7 2 4.3 5 1.79 3.9 4
C. yirratji NMV C4 70 L 1.98 0.88 2.22 1.1 0 2.5 8 2.2 6 3.86 3.80 2.9 1 4.37 2.9 1 4.44 2.0 2 4.2 0
R 1.90 0.86 2.42 1.2 6 2.4 6 2.36 3.9 4 3.97 2.98 4.3 5 2.9 4 4.42 1.7 1 4.0 1
C. yirratji SAMA M1 6 1 8 L 2.21 0.86 2.5 6 1.1 3 2.45 1.93 4.25 4.0 6 3.07 4.1 3 3.2 3 4.1 0 1.88 3.6 1
R 2.0 5 0.8 5 2.6 4 1.12 2.7 4 2.0 0 4.24 4.22 3.1 6 4.2 3 3.07 4.1 3 1.6 1 3.60
C. yirratji SAMA M397 1 L 1.77 0.83 2.4 0 1.0 8 4.11 3.7 2 2.9 1 4.38 2.86
R 1.8 2 0.97 2.2 6 1.1 7 4.0 8 4.0 4 2.88 4.55 2.7 1
……continued on the next page TABLE 3. (Continued)
Taxon Specimen # Side p1L p1W p2L p2W p3L p3W m1L m1AW m1PW m2L
C. e. ecaudatus AM PA422 L 2.8 4 0.79 3.1 6 1.0 3 3.24 2.1 8 2.55 3.2 9
R 2.77 0.76 3.3 1 1.0 8 3.38 2.37 2.63 3.54
C. e. ecaudatus NHMUK 1 8 42.2.1.33 L 2.9 0.88 3.1 1.0 2 3.2 3
R 2.9 0.77 3.1 0.96 2.4 1.14 3.2 2.33 2.5 3.22
C. e. ecaudatus NHMUK 1 8 4 8.1.2 7.4 0 L
R
C. e. ecaudatus NHMUK 1 8 4 8.1.2 7.41 L 2.7 0.73 3.2 1.0 3 2.5 1.0 4 3.4 2.0 6 2.6 3.3 1
R 2.6 0.78 3.2 1 2.2 1.2 6 3.3 2.3 2.7 3.25
C. e. ecaudatus NMV C2 900 L 2.8 2 0.77 3.3 2 1.0 4 2.5 6 1.0 4 3.2 9 1.9 5 2.67 3.33
R 2.86 0.7 5 3.12 1.0 8 2.51 1.1 6 3.2 8 2.0 5 2.78 3.41
C. e. occidentalis WAM M4 90 55 R 2.68 0.98 2.2 3 1.1 7 3.06 1.89 2.39 3.1 3
C. e. occidentalis AMNH 1 9637 2 L 2.87 1.0 2 2.3 2 1.15 3.1 0
R 2.93
C. e. occidentalis QM JM770 L
R
C. e. occidentalis NHMUK 1 8 44.7.9.22 L 2.5 0.66 3.1 0.9 2 2.1 1.15 3 2.2 2.3 2.96
R 2.7 0.7 4 3.1 1.0 8 2.2 1.2 6 3 2.0 7 2.6 2.9 4
C. yirratji MAGNT U1 8 14 L 3.06
C. yirratji NHMUK 1 8 5 7.1 0.24.1 9 L 2.3 0.6 4
R 2.3 0.76 3.2 1.9 1 2.5 2.9 1
C. yirratji NMV C4 68 L 2.5 8 0.67 3.0 5 0.86 2.30 0.96 2.88 2.0 6 2.69 3.06
R 2.68 0.8 5 2.97 0.90 2.45 1.1 0 2.88 2.30 2.6 2 2.93
C. yirratji NMV C4 70 L 2.70 0.77 3.1 6 0.99 2.33 1.4 0 3.1 3 2.42 2.9 5 3.1 0
R 2.7 4 0.8 1 3.0 4 1.0 1 2.42 1.3 1 3.15 2.30 2.93 3.14
C. yirratji SAMA M1 6 1 8 L 2.69 0.76 3.07 1.0 2 2.0 7 1.2 3 3.4 3 1.98 2.5 9 3.45
R 2.7 5 0.77 3.1 8 0.97 2.0 9 1.24 3.4 6 2.14 2.55 3.25
C. yirratji SAMA M397 1 L 2.52 0.78 2.77 0.86 3.3 1 2.0 0 2.4 3 3.0 4
R 2.52 0.8 2 2.78 1.0 2 3.3 5 2.0 5 2.78 2.8 2
……continued on the next page TABLE 3. (Continued)
Taxon Specimen # Side m2AW m2PW m3L m3AW m3PW m4L m4AW m4PW
C. e. ecaudatus AM PA422 L 2.2 3 2.4 0 3.36 2.12 2.12 3.38 1.83 1.4 6
R 2.4 7 2.4 0 3.2 9 2.1 7 2.0 0 3.2 7 1.86 1.5 3
C. e. ecaudatus NHMUK 1 8 42.2.1.33 L 2.2 2.3 4 3.3 2.0 6 2.1 3.42 1.8 1.38
R 2.3 2.39 3.3 2.2 8 2.1 3.4 3 2 1.4 6
C. e. ecaudatus NHMUK 1 8 4 8.1.2 7.4 0 L
R
C. e. ecaudatus NHMUK 1 8 4 8.1.2 7.41 L 2.3 2.6 5 3.3 2.1 7 2.1 3.09 2 1.5 7
R 2.5 2.6 3.1 2.1 8 2.1
C. e. ecaudatus NMV C2 900 L 2.0 8 2.54 3.24 2.0 2 2.2 8 3.03 1.7 2 1.39
R 2.1 8 2.4 6 3.36 2.2 7 2.12 3.30 1.78 1.4 6
C. e. occidentalis WAM M4 90 55 R 2.39 2.54 3.0 1 1.99 2.1 7 3.3 4 1.70 1.1 9
C. e. occidentalis AMNH 1 9637 2 L 1.96 2.36
R 2.21 2.4 0 2.86 2.1 0 2.0 7 3.06 1.7 4 1.0 5
C. e. occidentalis QM JM770 L
R
C. e. occidentalis NHMUK 1 8 44.7.9.22 L 2.5 2.51 3.2 2.0 3 2 3.1 8 1.7 1.3 1
R 2.2 2.2 9 3.1 1.9 4 1.9 3.11 1.6 1.42
C. yirratji MAGNT U1 8 14 L 2.2 7 2.4 7 2.90 2.21 2.1 0
C. yirratji NHMUK 1 8 5 7.1 0.24.1 9 L 3.3 2.12 2 2.9 1.8 1.3 4
R 2 2.41 3.3 1.98 2 3.5 1.9 1.38
C. yirratji NMV C4 68 L 2.39 2.7 5 3.2 0 2.3 5 2.2 9 3.6 2 1.98 1.52
R 2.67 2.70 3.15 2.37 2.38 3.4 6 2.0 9 1.33
C. yirratji NMV C4 70 L 2.5 3 2.89 3.0 5 2.4 3 2.60 3.55 2.1 8 1.5 0
R 2.6 4 2.87 2.97 2.5 3 2.5 8 3.5 0 2.0 3 1.3 2
C. yirratji SAMA M1 6 1 8 L 2.22 2.5 0 3.4 6 2.2 3 2.0 2 3.6 5 1.96 1.37
R 2.25 2.52 3.67 2.21 2.0 6 3.6 1 1.9 4 1.55
C. yirratji SAMA M397 1 L 2.2 8 2.4 9 3.06 2.12 2.0 9
R 2.5 3 2.6 2 3.2 6 2.39 2.0 1
TABLE 4 . Raw upper dental measurements for all fossil specimens examined.
P1 P2 P3 M1 M2 M3 M4
Taxon Specimen # Side L W L W L W L W L W L W L W
C. e. occidentalis KJT0009 R 3.61 3.07 2.73 4.04
C. e. occidentalis KJT0056 L 3.93 3.13 2.81 3.7
C. e. occidentalis KJT0057 R 3.97 3.01 2.77 3.7
C. e. occidentalis KJT0061 R 3.69 3.29
C. e. occidentalis KJT0071 R 3.72 3.56 2.77 3.98
C. e. occidentalis KJT0072 R 2.73 3.94
C. e. occidentalis KJT0083 R 3.22 3.51
C. e. occidentalis KJT0095 L 3.87 3.71
C. e. occidentalis KJT0100 L 3.62 3.8 2.93 4.24
C. e. occidentalis KJT0101 L 3.96 3.83
C. e. occidentalis KJT0102 L 2.42 1.4 3.71 3.65 2.57 4.37
C. e. occidentalis UCMP 97482 R 3.92 3.26 2.73 3.32
C. e. occidentalis WAM 0 5.4.48 L 2.64 3.63
C. e. occidentalis WAM 64.11.66 L 2.05 1.93 3.61 2.89
C. e. occidentalis WAM 64.11.66 R 2.28 0.97 2.07 2.06 3.84 3.28 2.41 3.88
C. e. occidentalis WAM 67.4.113 L 3.62 2.85 2.57 3.46
C. e. occidentalis WAM 67.4.113 R 2.61 1.34 2.65 2.22 3.69 2.73 2.56 3.21
C. e. occidentalis WAM 67.4.313 L 3.72 2.89
C. e. occidentalis WAM 67.4.313 R 3.89 2.99
C. e. occidentalis WAM 67.4.324 L 3.59 2.86 2.69 2.92
C. e. occidentalis WAM 67.4.328 R 2.82 3.81
C. e. occidentalis WAM 67.4.334 R 2.63 3.55
C. e. occidentalis WAM 68.11.60 R 3.95 3.27
C. e. occidentalis WAM 68.11.61 R 2.25 1.94 3.5 3.02 2.64 3.7 2.58 3.76 1.91 3.16
C. e. occidentalis WAM 68.11.62 R 2.31 0.99 3.93 3.2 2.84 3.74 2.63 3.76 1.97 3.26
C. e. occidentalis WAM 68.11.63 R 4.03 3.16
……continued on the next page Distribution. Nullarbor Plains ( Western Australia and South Australia ), the Wheat Belt of Western Australia , and western Western Australia , south of the Pilbara ( Fig. 1 ). TABLE 4. (Continued)
P1 P2 P3 M1 M2 M3 M4
Taxon Specimen # Side L W L W L W L W L W L W L W
C. e. occidentalis WAM 71.3.141 R 2.49 1.7 3.77 2.96 2.76 3.54 2.6 3.69 1.61 3.23
C. e. occidentalis WAM 71.5.1 L 2.24 0.9 2.07 1.58 3.66 2.72 2.78 3.48 2.66 3.69 1.49 3.04
C. e. occidentalis WAM 71.5.1 R 2.27 0.9 2.53 0.91 2.27 1.67 3.73 2.67 2.77 3.22 2.57 3.8 1.38 3.17
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.104 L 3.4 2.87
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.1042 R 2.71 1.03
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.105 R 2.44 1.75
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.106 R 3.61 3.05 2.97 3.5 2.73 3.6 1.69 2.94
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.1092 L 2.18 1.62 3.79 2.79 2.89 3.39 2.69 3.67 1.84 3.24
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.1092 R 2.26 1.91 3.86 2.97 2.81 3.4 2.87 3.88 1.53 3.01
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.1093 L 2.78 1.68 3.69 2.9 1.97 3.1
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.1093 R 2.33 1.85 3.56 2.81
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.1094 L 2.27 2.05 3.99 3.16 2.82 3.36 2.55 3.55 1.81 3.17
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.1094 R 2.3 1.98 3.84 3.04 2.83 3.67 2.37 3.98 1.9 3.19
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.1095 L 4.03 3.11
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.1095 R 4.06 2.96
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.12 R 3.99 3.23
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.124 R 3.6 2.91 2.63 3.56 1.53 3.14
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.125 L 2.15 1.78 3.43 2.83 2.54 3.73 1.62 2.75
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.159 L 2.61 3.4
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.464 L 3.74 3.02 2.62 3.66
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.542 R 3.7 2.93 2.71 3.56 2.51 3.66
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.581 L 2.81 3.76 1.87 3.23
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.582 R 2.27 1.82 3.77 3.24
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.628 R 4.08 3.02
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.659 R 2.15 1.95 3.68 2.99 2.71 3.84 2.67 3.74 1.8 3.54
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.660 R 2.1 1.96 3.92 3.16
……continued on the next page TABLE 4. (Continued)
P1 P2 P3 M1 M2 M3 M4
Taxon Specimen # Side L W L W L W L W L W L W L W
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.661 R 2.32 2.07 1.93 3.49
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.707 R 3.81 3.21
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.708 L 4.12 3.22
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.728 R 3.94 3.07 2.76 3.95
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.729 R 2.27 2.23 2.53 3.81 2.01 3.41
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.730 R 3.98 2.95 1.88 3.6
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.731 R 3.98 2.96
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.732 L 2.08 1.75 2.64 3.7
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.764 L 2.28 1.9 3.65 3.34 2.49 3.66 2.54 3.5 2.06 3.54
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.765 L 3.95 3.42
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.766 R 4.06 2.79
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.842 R 3.98 3.13 2.71 3.54
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.895 L 4.07 3.37 2.84 3.57 2.6 3.59 1.59 3.45
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.895 R 4.02 3.16 2.78 3.68 2.84 3.92 1.91 3.48
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.921 L 3.73 2.73
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.964 R 3.67 3.43 2.85 3.74 2.77 3.89 1.67 3.17
C. e. occidentalis WAM 73.1.168 L 2.16 1.1 2.23 1.26 4.09 2.92 2.89 3.53 2.66 3.53
C. e. occidentalis WAM 73.1.168 R 2.01 1.01 2.4 1.5 4.01 2.88 2.89 3.63 2.65 3.49
C. e. occidentalis WAM 73.1.202 L 3.57 3.16 2.97 3.75
C. e. occidentalis WAM 73.1.202 R 3.57 2.98 2.83 3.72
C. e. occidentalis WAM 73.3.22 L 3.07 3.58 1.56 3.33
C. e. occidentalis WAM 73.3.23 L 4.01 3.12
C. e. occidentalis WAM 73.3.24 R 4.1 3.47
C. e. occidentalis WAM 73.3.25 R 3.58 3.2
C. e. occidentalis WAM 73.3.26 R 4.03 3.22
C. e. occidentalis WAM 73.3.27 R 4.2 3.22
C. yirratji CHG.1.2.4B L 2.17 0.87 2.47 1.25
……continued on the next page TABLE 4. (Continued)
P1 P2 P3 M1 M2 M3 M4
Taxon Specimen # Side L W L W L W L W L W L W L W
C. yirratji CHG.6.2.3g L 3.77 3.37
C. yirratji CHG.6.2.3h R 3.61 3.53 2.8 3.8 3.03 3.42
C. yirratji CHG.6.2.3i R 2.33 1.16 4.04 3.46
C. yirratji KJT0001 R 2.46 -
C. yirratji KJT0017 L 3.94 3.34 2.84 4.01
C. yirratji KJT0037 R 2.51 1.38 4.15 4.15
C. yirratji KJT0038 L 2.44 1.21 4.19 4.44 2.86 4.55
C. yirratji QMF55183 R 4.22 3.45
C. yirratji QMF55215 R 3.71 -
C. yirratji QMF55216 R 3.11 3.63
C. yirratji QMF58991 L 4.05 3.44
C. yirratji QMF58992 R 3.01 3.46
C. yirratji QMF58993 L 2.9 3.41
C. yirratji QMF58987 L 4 3.06 3.24 3.56
C. yirratji QMF58988 R - 3.13
C. yirratji QMF58986 L 4.41 -
C. yirratji QMF58989 L 2.78 4.08
C. yirratji QMF58996 R 4.46 3.55
TABLE 5 . Raw lower dental measurements for all fossil specimens examined.
p1 p2 p3 m1 m2 m3 m4
Taxon Specimen # Side L W L W L W L AW PW L AW PW L AW PW L AW PW
C. e. ecaudatus UCMP 52667 L 3.71 2.4 2.45 3.42 2.18 2.17 3.81 1.94 1.55
C. e. ecaudatus UCMP 52667 L 3.13 2.06 2.28
C. e. ecaudatus UCMP 52668 R 3.44 2.33 2.32 3.52 2.35 2.23 3.84 1.82 1.31
C. e. occidentalis UCMP 97482 R 3.08 2.3 2.3 2.94 2.03 1.97 3.09 1.71 1.39
C. e. occidentalis UCMP 97483 R 3.07 0.98 3.05 2.14 2.31
C. e. occidentalis KJT0013 R 3.25 1.91 1.95
C. e. occidentalis KJT0024 L - 1.96 1.94
C. e. occidentalis KJT0082 R 2.98 2.21 2.41 2.96 2.15 1.99 3.14 1.74 -
C. e. occidentalis KJT0091 R 3.23 1.91 1.86
C. e. occidentalis KJT0092 L 2.78 0.75 3.01 2.09 2.58
C. e. occidentalis KJT0093 L 2.61 0.84 2.07 1.24 2.87 1.98 2.04 3.07 1.72 1.29
C. e. occidentalis KJT0096 R 2.97 1.91 2.22
C. e. occidentalis KJT0107 R 3.23 2.11 2.09
C. e. occidentalis KJT0108 L 3.21 1.92 2.44
C. e. occidentalis KJT0109 L 3.03 1.48 2.21
C. e. occidentalis KJT0113 R 3.16 1.91 1.99
C. e. occidentalis KJT0114 L 2.99 1.64 1.98
C. e. occidentalis KJT0115 L 3.21 1.78 1.76
C. e. occidentalis WAM 17.1.3 R 2.65 0.74 - - 1.04
C. e. occidentalis WAM 67.10.460 L 3.24 1.62 1.5
C. e. occidentalis WAM 67.4.314 R 1.9 0.98 3.01 2.15 2.43 3.05 2.02 2.29 3.08 1.92 1.25
C. e. occidentalis WAM 67.4.315 R 2.53 0.72 2.36 1.14 3.33 1.75 1.15
C. e. occidentalis WAM 67.4.316 L 2.67 0.75
C. e. occidentalis WAM 67.4.317 L 3.22 1.54 0.94
C. e. occidentalis WAM 67.4.327 L 2.53 0.63 3.07 0.87
C. e. occidentalis WAM 67.4.332 L 2.28 1.02
C. e. occidentalis WAM 67.4.333 L 3.13 2.19 2.38
C. e. occidentalis WAM 67.4.338 R 3.15 2.04 1.95
C. e. occidentalis WAM 67.4.78 R 2.85 1.07
……continued on the next page TABLE 5. (Continued)
p1 p2 p3 m1 m2 m3 m4
Taxon Specimen # Side L W L W L W L AW PW L AW PW L AW PW L AW PW
C. e. occidentalis WAM 67.4.79 L 2.67 0.79 2.38 1.07 3.08 2.08 2.19 2.93 1.94 1.18
C. e. occidentalis WAM 68.11.32 R 3.08 2.28 2.81
C. e. occidentalis WAM 68.11.33 R 2.15 1.09
C. e. occidentalis WAM 68.11.34 R 2.27 1.13 3.35 1.8 1.38
C. e. occidentalis WAM 68.11.35 R 2.56 0.76 2.07 1.16
C. e. occidentalis WAM 68.11.36 R 2.64 0.86
C. e. occidentalis WAM 68.11.58 L 2.84 1.18
C. e. occidentalis WAM 68.11.59 L 3.34 2.11 2.19
C. e. occidentalis WAM 68.3.32 R 2.99 2.4 2.65 - - 2.4 3.29 1.86 1.39
C. e. occidentalis WAM 71.5.1 L 2.68 0.69 2.95 0.91 2.07 1.04 3.11 1.87 2.1 3.17 1.95 1.81 3.34 1.65 1.28
C. e. occidentalis WAM 71.5.1 R 2.95 1.03 3.01 1.63 2.19 3.1 1.86 2.19 3.08 1.92 1.84 3.29 1.83 1.22
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.101 L 2.18 1.04 3.28 1.68 1.29
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.1012 L 2.19 1.39 3.09 1.95 2.42 2.95 2.32 2.43 3.13 2.13 2.08 3.06 1.74 1.39
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.102 R 3.37 1.74 1.2
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.103 R 2.63 0.89
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.1031 R 3.27 1.99 2.33
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.1096 R 3.24 1.9 1.19
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.13 R 2.57 1.31 3.15 2.28 2.05
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.160 L 2.79 2.12 2.45
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.50 L 2.62 0.85 2.17 1.37 2.92 2.29 2.47 2.99 2.29 2.16 3.1 1.72 1.37
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.514 R 3.33 1.72 1.28
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.514 R 3.26 2.22 2.15 3.09 1.84 1.31
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.580 R 3.27 1.82 1.4
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.605 R 3.46 1.89 1.21
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.627 L 3.24 1.1
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.664 R 2.97 1.14
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.665 L 2.65 0.67
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.666 L 3.36 2.05 1.96 3.41 1.72 1.36
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.667 R 3.24 1.16
……continued on the next page TABLE 5. (Continued)
p1 p2 p3 m1 m2 m3 m4
Taxon Specimen # Side L W L W L W L AW PW L AW PW L AW PW L AW PW
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.767 L 2.12 1.39 3.2 1.65 1.29
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.796 L 2.83 0.8 3.1 2.31 2.46 2.76 2.07 2.05 3.18 1.74 1.22
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.870 L 2.2 1.26
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.896 L 2.28 1.07 3.14 2.04 1.95 3.36 1.7 1.35
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.965 R 2.15 1.3 3.34 1.64 1.08
C. e. occidentalis WAM 72.1.986 R 3.22 2.28 2.08
C. e. occidentalis WAM 73.1.168 L 2.85 1.92 2.38 3.22 2.15 2.38 2.84 2.05 1.96 2.79 1.74 -
C. e. occidentalis WAM 73.1.168 R 3.05 1.92 2.46 3.39 2.01 2.3 3.02 1.91 2.14 2.69 1.81 -
C. e. occidentalis WAM 73.1.202 L 3.21 1.79 1.82
C. e. occidentalis WAM 73.1.202 R 2.99 1 3.2 1.97 1.93
C. e. occidentalis WAM 73.3.21 R 2.72 0.99 3.27 1.21 2.19 1.21 3.32 2.55 2.74
C. yirratji CHG.1.2.4d L - 1.65 -
C. yirratji CHG.1.2.4e R - 1.59 -
C. yirratji CHG.6.2.3b L 2.58 0.67 2.29 1.05 2.93 1.99 2.54 3.09 2.26 2.45
C. yirratji CHG.6.2.3c R 3.45 2.44 2.52
C. yirratji CHG.6.2.3d L 3.19 2.01 2.44 3.47 2.19 2.43 3.47 2.17 2.2
C. yirratji KJT0003 R - - 2.01
C. yirratji KJT0008 R 1.59 -
C. yirratji KJT0041 L 2.98 1.11
C. yirratji KJT0042 R 3.05 1.15
C. yirratji KJT0043 L 2.93 1.87 2.23
C. yirratji KJT0044 R 3.13 2.09 2.27
C. yirratji KJT0045 R 3.15 1.78 1.06
C. yirratji KJT0046 R 2.96 1.86 2.23
C. yirratji KJT0047 L - - 2.43
C. yirratji KJT0048 R 3.55 2.17 2.11
C. yirratji QMF58985 R 4.01 2.2 2.59
C. yirratji QMF58990 L 3.5 1.97 2.51
C. yirratji QMF58994 R 3.55 2.34 2.42
C. yirratji QMF58995 R 3.58 2.19 2.07
Description. To avoid repetition, we have only described parts of the animal that differ from that of Chaeropus ecaudatus ecaudatus . The holotype is an adult female study skin, with an associated partial skull and dentaries. Pelage is dark chestnut dorsally, light brown laterally and grey ventrally. Ears are long ( 60 mm ) and pointed. Head is rounded posteriorly with a short narrow snout. Forelimbs and hindlimbs are undistinguishable from that of C. e. ecaudatus . The tail is broken, likely to be missing some of its length. The skull is broken and missing most of its posterior end. In dorsal and lateral view, the skull is undistinguishable from that of C. e. ecaudatus . In ventral view, the palate differs from that of C. e. ecaudatus in a number of ways. The medial accessory palatal fenestrae are very large, extending more anteriorly than in C. e. ecaudatus . A single large (larger than in C. e. ecaudatus ) foramen is anterior to the medial accessory palatal fenestra. The bridge of bone separating the maxillopalatine fenestrae from the maxillary fenestrae is much thinner than in C. e. ecaudatus . The upper and lower dentition does not differ in morphology to that of C. e. ecaudatus , but dental measurements are smaller on average (see result section).