Aquatic mammal fossils in Latin America – a review of records, advances and challenges in research in the last 30 years

Records of aquatic mammal fossils (e.g. cetaceans, pinnipeds, sirenians, mustelids, and desmostylians) from Latin America (Mexico to Tierra del Fuego, including Antartica) span since the mid-1800s. Aquatic received little attention scientific community, with most first studies conducted by Northern Hemisphere researchers. Over last 30 years, paleontological research in has increased considerably, descriptions several new species revisions published original records. The American fossil record marine mammals spans Eocene Pleistocene, formations specimens global significance. All three main groups cetaceans are represented continent (Archaeoceti, Mysticeti, Odontoceti). Pinnipedia families Otariidae Phocidae, records starting Middle Miocene. Both living Sirenia (Trichechidae Dugongidae) recorded. While less common, but still relevant, desmostylians mustelids known Oligocene Miocene deposits. This review provides a summary date, special focus on advances developments Cozzuol’s (1996) South record. An up-to-date complete list based literature unpublished data is also provided. study future directions for America, discusses challenges opportunities field, emergence strong generation researchers, many whom women.