Acta Zoologica Cracoviensia, 14() 1969
Remarks on the fossil Chelonians from Măluşteni in Southern Moldavia, Romania
Abstract:
The paper comprises a revision and discussion of the systematic position of fossil turtles and tortoises from the classical “preglacial” locality at Măluşteni in southern Moldavia, obtained from or in the possession of the collection of the Geological Institute, University of Iaşi. Four discrete forms have been distinguished: a small land tortoise of the genus Testudo (sensu Loveridge & Williams, 1957), two members of Geoemyda Gray and one unidentified member of the Chelydridae. The name of one of the species discussed has been changed in accordance with the recommendations of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. The general part is concerned with a survey of the forms of the locality in question, its ecological and climatic conditions, as well as the stratigraphic significance of the Chelonian remains. The fauna is typical of the very border between the Pliocene and Pleistocene and resembles the corresponding faunas from a number of European localities of the same period.
