The State of exploration of Paleogene tetrapods localities of Easternmost Europe: Actors, Results and Prospects
摘要
This paper presents an overview of the current state of exploration of Paleogene tetrapods localities in Easternmost Europe, briefly highlighting the role of the main actors in the field research. A total of fifty Paleogene tetrapods localities are known across Easternmost Europe, covering all Paleogene stages, except the Chattian. Of these, twenty-two localities belong to the Middle Eocene. Only the Thanetian or Ypresian of Boltyshka locality has a lacustrine origin, while the others localities are marine. However, at least five of these marine localities contain a few remains of reptiles and birds unrelated to marine environments. Localities with well-preserved specimens are also listed. Two or more taxa of Paleogene tetrapods are known from eighteen localities. The largest assemblages of Paleogene tetrapods in Easternmost Europe are those found in the Selandian of Bereslavka 2a, the Lutetian of Ikovo, the Bartonian of Ak-Kaya 1 and Prolom localities. Turtles predominate both in terms of number of localities and specimens. Other significant Paleogene tetrapods in the region include salamanders, snakes, crocodiles, cetaceans, sirenians and various birds’ species. The paper also gives a list of species first described from Easternmost Europe, as well as species previously known from other regions. Localities containing bone-bearing beds, that are accessible over a large area, are the most promising for future field researches. The issues of geoconservation of these localities were considered.