Khoratpithecus


Khoratpithecus is an extinct genus of pongin primates that lived during the Late Miocene in Myanmar and Thailand.
Three species belong to this genus:
  • Khoratpithecus chiangmuanensis from Thailand
  • Khoratpithecus piriyai from Thailand Chaimanee, Suteethorn, Jintasakul, Vidthayanon, Marandat & Jaeger, 2004
  • Khoratpithecus ayeyarwadyensis from Myanmar Jaeger, Soe, Chavasseau, Coster, Emonet, Guy, Lebrun, Maung, Shwe, Tun, Oo, Rugbumrung, Bocherens, Benammi, Chaivanich, Tafforeau & Chaimanee, 2011

Palaeobiology

Stable isotopic analysis consisting of paired δ13C and δ18O measurements shows that K. ayeyarwadyensis inhabited the treetops of highly forested habitats and fed exclusively on C3 vegetation. Dental microwear and dental topography both indicate that Khoratpithecus was frugivorous, preferring soft fruits over seeds and hard fruits.