Vertebrate tracks in Pliocene aeolianite deposits of the Wankoe Formation, Western Cape Province, South Africa

Aeolianites of the Wankoe Formation, of Pliocene age, are encountered in the southern Cape of South Africa. Until now, and in contrast with the prevalence of vertebrate tracksites in the coastal Pleistocene Waenhuiskrans Formation, no vertebrate tracks have been identified in the Wankoe Formation. However, our studies indicate that the formation is richly fossiliferous and that vertebrate tracks are commonly encountered in suitable areas, although non-karstified outcrops are in general sparsely distributed. Whilst many of the tracks are only evident in profile, a vertebrate trackway in the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, for example, comprises five tracks preserved in plan view. Although identification to trackmaker species is not possible, several plausible trackmaker taxa can be postulated. In combination, these tracksites appear to contain the first recorded Pliocene vertebrate tracks described from southern Africa. Pedestalling of tracks has been noted at two sites, suggesting that this unusual form of track preservation could be sought elsewhere in Wankoe Formation deposits. A dedicated search, focusing on areas with substantial cliff exposures, should yield further discoveries.