New data on Early Pleistocene vertebrates from Monte Argentario (Central Italy). Paleoecological and biochronological implications

A first record of non-mammalian remains and small mammals from the Early Pleistocene of Monte Argentario (Central Italy) is reported herein, together with paleoecological and biochronological remarks based on the whole fossil assemblage. This site is known since the 1950s mostly for large mammal remains. So far, the known taxa collected from this site comprise mainly large mammals with few birds and reptiles. Recent fieldworks in this locality led to the recognition of a small mammal assemblage that consists of twelve taxa, including Talpa cf. T.fossilis, Sorex cf. S.minutus, Petenyia hungarica, Asoriculus gibberodon, Oryctolagus cf. O. valdarnensis, Eliomys cf. E.intermedius, Glis sackdillingensis, Microtus ( Allophaiomys) cf. M.( A.). ruffoi, Victoriamys chalinei, Apodemus ( Sylvaemus) sylvaticus, Apodemus ( S.) flavicollis, Apodemus ( S.) gr. sylvaticus- flavicollis, and Apodemus (Karstomys) gr. mystacinus-epimelas. An updated description of amphibians, squamates and birds is also provided. Following the chronological data derived from the large and small mammals, the vertebrate assemblage of Monte Argentario can be referred to the Early Pleistocene, Early Biharian, corresponding to the Farneta and Pirro Faunal Units of the Italian biochronological scheme. In addition, the data presented herein support the hypothesis of a biochronological equivalence of these two Italian Faunal Units.