New lagomorphs from the Pliocene of central Mexico

Abstract

This paper presents the most diverse Pliocene lagomorph fauna yet reported from Mexico. Four genera and five species are herein recognized from several localities in the central state of Guanajuato. These presently discovered taxa were compared with previously described lagomorphs from North America; and three, one genus and two species, are considered new. Additionally, one other species could possibly be new. Taxa which have been reported elsewhere include Hypolagus, Pratilepus ?kansasensis and Notolagus cf. velox. Apparently no published record exists which describes Pliocene lagomorphs as far south in North America as those listed in this study.