![cover image](https://wikiwandv2-19431.kxcdn.com/_next/image?url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4b/Musee_Crozatier_Pachycrocuta.jpg/640px-Musee_Crozatier_Pachycrocuta.jpg&w=640&q=50)
Pachycrocuta
Genus of mammals (fossil) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Pachycrocuta is an extinct genus of prehistoric hyenas. The largest and most well-researched species is Pachycrocuta brevirostris, colloquially known as the giant short-faced hyena as it stood about 90–100 cm (35–39 in) at the shoulder[1] and it is estimated to have averaged 110 kg (240 lb) in weight,[2] approaching the size of a lioness, making it the largest known hyena. Pachycrocuta first appeared during the late Miocene (Messinian, 7.2 to 5.3 million years ago[3]). By 800,000 years ago, it became locally extinct in Europe, with it surviving in East Asia until at least 500,000 years ago, and possibly later elsewhere in Asia.[4]
Quick Facts Scientific classification, Binomial name ...
Pachycrocuta | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Cast of the holotype skull at the Musée Crozatier | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Mammalia |
Order: | Carnivora |
Suborder: | Feliformia |
Family: | Hyaenidae |
Genus: | †Pachycrocuta Kretzoi 1938 |
Species: | †P. brevirostris |
Binomial name | |
†Pachycrocuta brevirostris (Gervais, 1850) | |
Possible species | |
|
Close