Algeripithecus fossil map
Where fossils of Algeripithecus have been found, shown on the Earth as it looked about 45 million years ago and on today’s map.
Dots are fossil collections recorded in the Paleobiology Database. The “then” view moves today’s fossil sites back to their positions 45 million years ago (the time slice nearest the median age of the fossils) using the Merdith et al. (2021) plate model; positions are approximate. Open on the timeline map →
| Group | Early mammals |
|---|---|
| Lived | 56–41.03 million years ago (Ypresian to Lutetian) |
| Periods | Paleogene |
| Family | Azibiidae |
| Named by | Godinot and Mahboubi 1992 |
| Fossil records | 8 occurrences at 1 locations (PBDB) |
| Found in | Algeria |
| Rock formations | Glib Zegdou |
About Algeripithecus
Algeripithecus is an extinct genus of early fossil primate, weighing approximately 65 to 85 grams (2.3 to 3.0 oz). Fossils have been found in Algeria and Tunisia dating from 50 to 46 million years ago.
It was once commonly thought to be one of the oldest simian primates (a group that includes monkeys and apes), and was crucial to the hypothesis that simians originated in Africa. Research on more complete specimens suggest it was instead a strepsirrhine primate, more closely related to living lemurs and lorisoids. However, this is still disputed.
Text in “About” is quoted from the Wikipedia article Algeripithecus (revision 1333157324), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0; introduction excerpted verbatim, formatting removed. Ages, family, authority and fossil records: Paleobiology Database, accessed 23 October 2026. Ages are those of the rock layers the fossils were found in. Wikidata: Q4062206.
