The first Mesozoic vertebrate coprolites from Algeria

Nine morphotypes of coprolites, including Heteropolacopros texaniensis, Liassocopros isp., Hyronocopros amphipola, Eucoprus isp. 1, Eucoprus isp. 2, Morphotype 1, Morphotype 2, Morphotype 3, and Morphotype 4, are distinguished from the basal Late Cretaceous (Lower Cenomanian) of the ‘Continental Intercalaire’ deposits at Gara Samani (Sahara, southern Algeria). This coprofauna is the first to be identified, described and illustrated from the Mesozoic of Algeria. It adds new information on the trace-fossil assemblages previously reported from the Cretaceous localities of North Africa. The Gara Samani coproassociation marks the youngest occurrence of the ichnogenera Heteropolacopros and Hyronocopros. Most coprolites were produced by ichthyophagous carnivores, such as crocodiles, theropods (Spinosaurus) and different kinds of fish.