Nyanzachoerus Explained

Nyanzachoerus is an extinct genus of the pig family (Suidae) belonging to the subfamily Tetraconodontinae. The several species of Nyanzachoerus lived in Africa from the Miocene to Pliocene.[1] [2]

Description

This was a large pig-like creature, larger than living species.

Fossils of males of these species show that they had large lumps on their muzzle and widely flaring cheekbones. Their tusks were only of moderate size. It can be assumed that the ornaments were used as a mating display.

Species

A total of 11 species have been described.[3]

Notes and References

  1. National Geographic Prehistoric Mammals, Alan Turner, 2004
  2. Boisserie. Jean-Renaud. Souron. Antoine. Mackaye. Hassane Taïsso. Likius. Andossa. Vignaud. Patrick. Brunet. Michel. A New Species of Nyanzachoerus (Cetartiodactyla: Suidae) from the Late Miocene Toros-Ménalla, Chad, Central Africa. PLOS ONE. 2014. 9. 8. e103221. 10.1371/journal.pone.0103221. 25162699. 4146473. 2014PLoSO...9j3221B. free.
  3. Web site: MammalPaleontology : Message: Nyanzachoerus - A Pig of the Miocene and Pliocene . tech.dir.groups.yahoo.com . 6 June 2022 . https://archive.today/20120721052018/http://tech.dir.groups.yahoo.com/group/MammalPaleontology/message/668 . 21 July 2012 . dead.