Abstract

Mesoamerica is the geographic region between northern Mexico and southern Panama´. This region shows specific cultural and biological features, both presently and in the past. The proboscideans (Mammalia, Proboscidea) that inhabited the region in a time range from middle Miocene to late Pleistocene are outlined. Three families (Elephantidae, Gomphotheriidae, and Mammutidae) and six genera currently are known from the region. The systematic position of the genus Stegomastodon is unresolved, whether monophyletic or paraphyletic, and it may include two genera, Stegomastodon sensu stricto and Haplomastodon. The other five genera recognized for the region are Gomphotherium (1 species), Rhynchotherium (3 species), Cuvieronius (3 species), Mammut (1 species), and Mammuthus (2 species). The Great American Biotic Interchange played an important role for the migration of the proboscideans into South America. The association between proboscideans and humans in Mesoamerica has been explored, but there is only evidence of an association with mammoths exists.

3. Concluding remarks

Four proboscidean genera may have been contemporaneous at the end of the Pleistocene in northern Mesoamerica. Furthermore, at some localities, mammoth and American mastodon have been found in the same deposits, or mammoth and gomphothere, but not American mastodon and gomphothere together. This situation reflects the apparent parapatric relationship. Detailed taxonomic and systematic studies are required to define clearly the number of species for mammoths or genera for gomphotheres that occurred during late Tertiary and early Quaternary in the Americas. A review of all of the specimens held in museums is warranted to allow a complete understanding of the Mesoamerican proboscideans. Stratigraphic and radiometric-controlled excavations are required to enhance the proboscidean records for Mesoamerica as well.

Finally, at present, the proboscidea information for Mesoamerica is incomplete, but the records show great potential for increasing and enhancing such knowledge. Furthermore, their study could help in understanding the evolutionary patterns and extinction causes for the unique order Proboscidea in the New World.