Evidence of cave lion (Panthera spelaea) from Pleistocene Northeast China

The cave lion (Panthera spelaea) was one of the most widespread carnivores in the Pleistocene. The species ranged throughout Eurasia and even into North America as a member of the Mammuthus-Coelodonta fauna. However, the species has not previously been reported from the Mammuthus-Coelodonta fauna from the Pleistocene assemblages of the Songhua River. This study presents evidence of two Panthera spelaea specimens from the Middle and Late Pleistocene Songhua River fossil assemblages (MIS 10–8 and MIS 5–3). A combination of lower population due to vegetation shifts in the region and misidentification of specimens as Panthera tigris may explain why Panthera spelaea has not previously been reported in the region. The Middle Pleistocene specimen displays traits regarded as primitive in European cave lions. The Late Pleistocene specimen displays a mixture of primitive and advanced traits. These traits indicate a morphological transition within the species and also a possible ancestral relationship to Panthera atrox.