Parotosuchus (Amphibia, temnospondyli) in Gondwana: biostratigraphic and palaeobiogeographic implications

A recent taxonomic review of 'capitosauroid' amphibians has confirmed previ ously held views about the absence of Paratosuchus sensu stricto in Gondwan a. A 'capitosaurid' from Driefontein, South Africa, represents the first in disputable occurrence of that genus In Gondwana. The presence of Parotosuch us here supports an Upper Olenekian age suggested for this part of the Cyno gnathus Assemblage Zone. If is postulated that the centre of origin for Par otosuchus was Gondwana and that the occurrence of that taxon in Laurasia re presents a northward migration during the late Early Triassic.