Bonisicyon

Bonisicyon
Temporal range: Messinian, 6.5–5.3 Ma
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Amphicyonidae
Subfamily: Amphicyoninae
Genus: Bonisicyon
Werdelin and Simpson, 2009
Type species
Bonisicyon illacabo
Werdelin and Simpson, 2009

Bonisicyon is an extinct genus of carnivoran mammals, belonging to the family Amphicyonidae ("bear dogs"). It is the last-surviving member of its family, living in East Africa during the end of the Miocene epoch. Known only from a damaged mandible and isolated teeth from the Nawata Formation, and possibly also the Lukeino Formation, its closer taxonomic affinities are unclear. It is notable for both its small size, and its unique dentition.[1]

  1. ^ Werdelin, Lars; Simpson, Scott W. (2009). "The last amphicyonid (Mammalia, Carnivora) in Africa". Geodiversitas. 31 (4): 775–787. doi:10.5252/g2009n4a775. ISSN 1280-9659. S2CID 73677723.