The Pleistocene Antelope, Stockoceros conklingi, from San Josecito Cave, Mexico

Abstract

Excavations in the Pleistocene deposits of San Josecito Cave, in southern Nuevo Leon, Mexico, have been carried on by Dr. Chester Stock and his associates of the California Institute of Technology during the past few years. Studies relating to the fossil mammals and birds found in this deposit are now in progress. The antilocaprid specimens, abundant in the collection, have been assigned to the writer for special investigation. In an examination of the cave material it has been possible to record data on the growth changes in the horn cores, as well as on the variability of other structural parts. Because of their abundance and good preservation, the antelope remains have likewise given opportunity to prepare a mounted skeleton--the first to be made of Stockoceros. On the basis of the mount, a life-size restoration has been made by Mr. William Otto. I desire to express my thanks to Dr. Childs Frick for his sustaining interest in the research on fossil antilocaprids, and to Dr. John C. Merriam for support in bringing this contribution to completion.