Presence of Stegomastodon (Gomphotheriidae, Proboscidea) in the Upper Pleistocene of the coastal area of Santa Clara del Mar (Argentina)

Gomphotheriidae fossil remains from shore level of Santa Clara del Mar (Mar del Plata, Argentina) are described. The comparative morphological and multivariate analysis of the m3 with other South American gomphotheres remains, mainly from Argentina, Bolivia and Brazil, allow their identification as Stegomastodon platensis. This species seems better adapted to live on the middle latitudes and warm climatic conditions. The possible movement routes from north to the most austral zones or areas are discussed. Stegomastodon from South America is a big-size form which is present along the East route and in several shore areas of Ecuador and Peru. In the present work some palaeoecological and palaeogeographical considerations are included. From a radiometric AMS datum, the remains of Santa Clara del Mar are dated in the late Pleistocene (17,880 +/- 60 AP).