Name: Eofelis
(Dawn cat).
Phonetic: E-oh-fel-iss.
Named By: Mikl�s Kretzoi - 1938.
Classification: Chordata, Mammalia, Carnivora,
Nimravidae.
Species: E. edwardsii (type),
E.
giganteus.
Diet: Carnivore.
Size: Estimated around 120 to 160
centimetres long depending upon the species.
Known locations: France, Quercy.
Time period: Late Eocene to Oligocene.
Fossil representation: Several specimens.
Eofelis is one of the better known nimravids from Western Europe. Initially there was only one species but re-evaluation of the known fossils has determined that the larger specimens are actually those of a distinct species from the smaller remains, leading to the creation of E. giganteus.
Further reading
- A new species of Eofelis (Carnivora: Nimravidae)
from the Phosphorites
of Quercy, France. Comptes Rendus de l'Acad�mie des Sciences - Series
IIA - Earth and Planetary Science 330(9):653-658. - S. Peign� - 2000.