Bonisicyon fossil map
Where fossils of Bonisicyon have been found, shown on the Earth as it looked about 5 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 5 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 | 11.63–5.333 million years ago (Tortonian to Messinian) |
| Periods | Neogene |
| Family | Amphicyonidae |
| Named by | Werdelin 2009 |
| Fossil records | 4 occurrences at 2 locations (PBDB) |
| Found in | Ethiopia, Kenya |
| Rock formations | Nawata |
About Bonisicyon
Bonisicyon is an extinct genus of carnivoran mammals, belonging to the family Amphicyonidae ("bear dogs"). It is the last-surviving member of its family, living in East Africa during the end of the Miocene epoch. Known only from a damaged mandible and isolated teeth from the Nawata Formation, and possibly also the Lukeino Formation, its closer taxonomic affinities are unclear. It is notable for both its small size, and its unique dentition.
Text in “About” is quoted from the Wikipedia article Bonisicyon (revision 1377271040), 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: Q116969147.
