PRELIMINARY REPORT FOR PLEISTOCENE CAMELIDS FROM SANTA LUCIA, STATE OF MÉXICO, MÉXICO

Camelidae is a mammalian family pertaining to Cerartiodactyla that appeared in the Eocene, and is presently represented by 3 genera and 7 species. During Mexican Pleistocene, three genera, Camelops, Hemiauchenia, and Paleolama constituted the family; specimens within those genera are from all over the country. Recent construction activities inside the Mexican “Santa Lucia” Air Force Base (Municipality of Zumpango, State of México) for a new international airport, has provided the findings of remains from several Pleistocene herbivores and carnivores, mostly mammoths, but also horses, sloths, felids, and canids, among others. In addition, remains pertaining to camelids were collected, including 17 mandibles and a complete skull, which are reported here to define the species found at the time of deposit formation. Morphometric characters and comparisons with other samples were undertaken, and it was decided that the genus Camelops was present. This brings the number of Mexican localities where this genus was found to 13, however, it is necessary to make comparisons with remains of these animals housed in collections in order to determine which species it corresponds to. Also, studies biogeochemical and morphofunctional studies are underway, as well as radiocarbon dating in order to determine their eating feeding and habitat behaviours, as well as the temporality of these specimens.