Pseudonimravus

Pseudonimravus is an extinct genus of nimravid, commonly known as false saber-toothed cats, that lived in North America during the Oligocene epoch. Its fossil remains have been found in formations dating to approximately 33.9 to 28.4 million years ago. The genus was first described in 1930 by Edward Drinker Cope.

Members of this genus were medium-sized carnivores, distinguished by their relatively short skulls and prominent saber-like canine teeth, though not as exaggerated as those of later saber-toothed cats. Pseudonimravus possessed a stocky build, indicative of a predatory lifestyle. Its diet likely consisted of various medium-sized mammals that were present during the Oligocene.

The nimravids, to which Pseudonimravus belongs, are an extinct family of carnivoran mammals that evolved in the Eocene and became extinct by the Miocene. They are not true cats (Felidae) but represent an early divergence within the Carnivora order that independently evolved saber-like teeth. The discovery of Pseudonimravus has contributed to our understanding of nimravid diversity and their ecological roles in ancient ecosystems.