A new emu (Dromaiinae) from the Late Oligocene Etadunna Formation

Abstract

A new emu (Emuarius guljaruba, sp. nov.) is described from the Late Oligocene Etadunna Formation (Ngama Local Fauna), based on a complete tarsometatarsus. While exhibiting evidence of cursorial abilities advanced over those of cassowaries (Casuarius), this taxon was not as cursorially adapted as the living Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae). This taxon is provisionally referred to the genus Emuarius, although a definite generic assignment cannot be made.