The large carnivores from ‘Ubeidiya (early Pleistocene, Israel): biochronological and biogeographical implications

The archaeological site of ‘Ubeidiya provides a unique, rich faunal assemblage, as well as evidence for the presence of early hominins in the Levant. Paleontological analysis of the faunal community is pertinent to understanding the biochronology and the timing of hominin dispersal events from Africa to Eurasia. This study presents the large carnivores from the recent seasons of excavations (1989–1999) and previously published material. Based on biochronological correlations of the carnivore guild and paloemagnetism, the age of the site is 1.5–1.2 Ma. This date is 100–200,000 years earlier than previous estimates. Of specific importance is the presence of the African origin saber tooth Megantereon cf. M. whitei and the Eurasian origin canids Canis moschbachensis and Lycaon lycoanoides.