Camelus grattardi, sp. nov., a new camel from the Shungura Formation, Omo Valley, Ethiopia, and the relationships of African fossil Camelidae (Mammalia)

A new species of ancient camel, Camelus grattardi, has been identified from the Shungura Formation in Ethiopia's Lower Omo Valley. This discovery sheds light on the rare presence of fossil camels in Africa, which contrasts sharply with their modern-day abundance as domestic animals. The study analyzed fossil remains to establish the species' distinct characteristics and its evolutionary relationships within African Camelidae. By comparing these fossils with other known camel species, researchers reconstructed the phylogenetic history of this region's camel lineage, providing insights into their adaptation and diversification during prehistoric times.

Geraads, D. (2014). Camelus grattardi, sp. nov., a new camel from the Shungura Formation, Omo Valley, Ethiopia, and the relationships of African fossil Camelidae (Mammalia). Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, 34(6), 1481–1485. https://doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2014.880447