Merycochoerus (Greek: "ruminant" (merux)-like "swine" (khoiros)) is an extinct genus of oreodont of the family Merycoidodontidae, endemic to North America. They lived during the Early Oligocene 33.9—30.8 mya, existing for approximately . Fossils are widespread through the western United States.

Merycochoerus was a cud-chewing plant-eater with a long face, tusk-like canine teeth, heavy body, long tail, short feet, and four-toed hooves. The long animals are thought to have been amphibious, as members of the genus possessed an elongated, barrel-shaped body and short limbs that are typical adaptations found in semi-aquatic mammals.

Merycochoerus

Species

M. carrikeri (syn. Promerycochoerus thomsoni) M. chelydra (syn. Promerycochoerus barbouri) M. magnus M. matthewi M. pinensis M. proprius M. superbus (syn. M. fricki, M. leidyi, M. macrostegus, M. montanus, M. temporalis, Promerycochoerus grandis, P. hatcheri, P. hollandi, P. inflatus, P. latidens, P. loomisi, P. lulli, P. marshi, P. microcephalus) M. vantasselensis

Merycochoerus

Resources

Oligocene even-toed ungulates

Burdigalian genus extinctions

Oligocene mammals of North America

Miocene even-toed ungulates

Oligocene genus first appearances

Miocene mammals of North America

Prehistoric even-toed ungulate genera

Fossil taxa described in 1858

Merycochoerus