Kelba Temporal range: Early Miocene 12.5–22 Ma |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Mammalia |
Order: | † Ptolemaiida |
Family: |
Kelbidae Cote et al., 2007 |
Genus: |
Kelba Savage, 1965 |
Binomial name | |
Kelba quadeemae Savage, 1965 |
Kelba quadeemae is an extinct species of ptolemaiidan mammal, the sole species of the family Kelbidae, known from the Lower Miocene of East Africa. The genus name Kelba derives from the Arabic الكلب (pronounced kalb or kelb) meaning "dog", and the specific name quadeemae from the Arabic quadeem, meaning "ancient".Kelba is only known from a partial skull and teeth, but estimated to have been (around 15 kg), similar in size to a coyote but more heavily built. The teeth are rather unspecialized, suggesting a wide and varied diet, and show wear suggesting its diet included abrasive material.