A revision of Cervus ruscinensis Depéret, 1890 (Cervidae, Mammalia) from the Early Pliocene of Roussillon (France)

This paper presents a detailed morphological redescription of a well-preserved skull of Cervus (Capreolus) ruscinensis Dep & eacute;ret, 1890, from the Early Pliocene of Roussillon. The study includes a Principal Component Analysis of craniometric data, along with a re-evaluation of morphological features, that provide compelling arguments for the establishment of the new genus Xenocervulus. The unique ecomorphological cranial and antler characteristics of the Ruscinian deer suggest specific adaptations for a distinctive form of intraspecific head-to-head male combat. This behaviour, resembling that observed in saber-horned antelopes, is unusual among cervids. The small, lowcrowned upper cheek teeth suggest that this deer followed a typical folivorous or browsing diet, consistent with other small cervids.