Un Testudinidae terrestre gigante (Chelonii: Cryptodira) del Pleistoceno de la provincia de Corrientes, Argentina

Abstract

Remains of a giant tortoise (Testudininae) were recovered from the Toropí Formation (probably middle to upper Pleistocene) in Corrientes Province. A partial carapace, an anterior plastral fragment and a left humerus of a single specimen are described herein. This specimen is tentatively referred to the genus Chelonoidis Fitzinger. Comparisons with additional material from other localities of the same region suggest a quite diverse giant tortoise fauna in the Mesopotamic area during the Pleistocene. The Arroyo Toropí specimen is associated with indicators of more arid environments than those prevailing at present times in the Mesopotamia.