Ailuropoda wulingshanensis
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| Ailuropoda wulingshanensis Temporal range: | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Carnivora |
| Family: | Ursidae |
| Genus: | Ailuropoda |
| Species: | A. wulingshanensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Ailuropoda wulingshanensis (Wang et al., 1982) | |
Ailuropoda wulingshanensis is an extinct species of bear belonging to the giant panda (Ailuropoda) lineage that existed during the Early Pleistocene. It succeeded the earlier Ailuropoda microta, and in turn was succeeded by the later Ailuropoda baconi.
Ailuropoda wulingshanensis is known only from South China. It is best represented at Longgu Cave in Jianshi, Hubei,[1] and its fossils have also been recovered from Bailong Cave.[2] The species existed during the Early Pleistocene, around 1.8-1.2 million years ago.[3]
Description
Ailuropoda wulingshanensis was considerably smaller than the living giant panda, with an estimated average body mass of approximately 70–90 kilograms (150–200 lb) for individuals from Longgu Cave.[4] Ailuropoda wulingshanensis is distinguished from the earlier Ailuropoda microta by its larger size and more complex cuspation of premolars, and from its successor Ailuropoda baconi by its smaller size and less developed premolar cuspation.[1]