Carnivora of the Edson Local Fauna (Late Hemphillian), Kansas

Abstract

The late Hemphillian Edson Quarry Local Fauna contains 36 species of amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The eight species of carnivorans are <i>Canis davisi</i>, a primitive dog; <i>Osteoborus cyonoides</i>, a large borophagine; <i>Agriotherium</i> species, a long-limbed bear; <i>Plesiogulo marshalli</i>, a wolverine; <i>Pliotaxidea nevadensis</i>, a badger; <i>Martinogale alveodens</i>, a skunk; <i>Adelphailurus kansensis</i>, a metailurine felid; and <i>Machairodus coloradensis</i>, a machairodontine felid. Edson is one of several fossil localities in Sherman County, Kansas, and was deposited in a series of fine sands within the Ogallala Formation. A secondary channel in a braided stream system is proposed as the environment of deposition. The high percentage of juveniles, as well as the vast numbers of the salamander <i>Ambystoma kansensis</i>, indicate accumulation during the spring of the year. The Edson Quarry Local Fauna compares very well with such typically late Hemphillian faunas as Coffee Ranch, Texas, and Optima, Oklahoma. Although only the carnivorans have been treated in depth, a listing of the vertebrate taxa is offered as well.