A Fossil Gekkotan (Squamata) from the Late Oligocene Nsungwe Formation, Rukwa Rift Basin, Tanzania
We describe the first record of a fossil gekkotan from the Late Oligocene Nsungwe Formation in the Rukwa Rift Basin, Tanzania. The specimen consists of an almost complete maxilla containing 23 tooth positions, with 10 teeth still in place. Typical gekkotan features include the tall facial process along with a posteriorly sloping angle, and the presence of unicuspid, pleurodont teeth with large resorption pits. Limited preservation does not allow for a more specific systematic assignment, which is why we refer the specimen to Gekkota incertae sedis. The material represents the second record of a Paleogene gekkotan from Africa and the first one from the central part of the continent.Abstract
Specimen photograph and locality map. (A) RRBP 13002, gekkotan right maxilla in lateral view and (B) in medial view (scale bar = 1 mm); (C) map showing the Nsungwe Formation within the Rukwa Rift Basin (Tanzania) and the collection locality, including its relative position within Tanzania.
RRBP 13002, digital image of gekkotan specimen as derived from computed tomography. (A) lateral view; (B) medial view; (C) occlusal view. Scale bar = 1 mm. Abbreviations: af, alveolar foramen; fp, facial process of maxilla; mpn, maxillary portion of external naris; n/f fragmentary remainder of either nasal or frontal; prf, ventral portion of prefrontal; ps, palatal shelf.
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