93
CHENALOPEX SIRABENSISANDREWS.
- Chenalopex sirabensis Andrews, Ibis 1897, p. 355, pl. IX, figs. 1-3.
This species of which skull, sternum, pelvis, the bones of fore and hind limbs, &c., are preserved, appears to be closely allied to Chenalopex aegyptiacus, but has such a number of small differences that Mr. Andrews is, I think, quite justified in separating it; I do not, however, agree with him when he suggests that perhaps it is the same as Newton and Gadow's Sarcidiornis mauritianus, although many of the bones agree. Of course, his line of comparison was strengthened by the fact of subfossil bones of Plotus nanus occurring both in Mauritius and Madagascar; but it does not follow that because in one family of birds the same species occurred in two places the others must do likewise, and, therefore, one must not necessarily regard a certain similarity of osteological characters as proof of identity. I must here again refer my readers to Mr. Andrews' very full description.
Habitat: Sirabé in C. Madagascar.
The measurements are:—
| Coracoid | 67-75 | mm. |
| Humerus | 132-147 | " |
| Radius | 126-134 | " |
| Ulna | 129-142 | " |
| Metacarpus | 76-85 | " |
The smaller bones, undoubtedly, belonged to female, and the larger to male individuals.
