New Bovid (Artiodactyla) Fossils from the Siwaliks of Pakistan: Reviving a Lost World

This studyinvestigates newly discovered fossil specimens of bovids (Artiodactyla) from the Siwalik Groupof Pakistan, with the aim of enhancing the understanding of South Asia's paleoecology and evolutionary history. It provides new insights into the taxonomy and diversity of Siwalik bovids, addressing existing gaps in the fossil record and contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of their evolutionary relationships.Seven new dental elements of bovids, including both upper and lower dentitions, were recovered from the villages of Dhok Pathan and Hasnot in the Potwar foreland basin of the Himalayas in Pakistan.These fossils excavatedfrom the Dhok Pathan Formation within the upper Siwaliks Group, deposited in environments ranging from river channels to floodplains, providing chronological and environmental contexts for the assemblages.Based on comparative morphology and precise measurements, the mandible was identified as belonging to Selenoportax vexillarius, while the molars and premolars were attributedtoPachyportax latidens, Pachyportax nagriiand Kobus porrecticornis. Comparative analysis with fossils from other regions ensures the accuracy and relevance of the findings, contributing to a refined understanding of the evolutionary history and biogeographic patterns of these species. Thisstudy documents the paleoecology of the region, indicating a grassland and woodland biome supported by the tectonic setting of the Himalayas orogeny, which collectively created a favorable scenario for bovid diversity.Theexamined fauna suggests a vast, open landscape with intermittent dry and flood seasons, creating a mosaic of ecotonal habitats with numerous niches. This research enhances our understanding of Artiodactyla's past biodiversity and environmental challenges, highlighting the significance of the Siwalik Group for studying their evolutionary history and emphasizing the need for ongoing exploration and analysis of its fossil record.