Pannonictis
Pannonictis is a genus of extinct mustelids. It is first known from the very Late Pliocene and survived until the end of the Villafranchian, and is most commonly recorded from deposits between 2.6 and 1.4 Ma. Remains of "Pannonictis" have been found throughout Eurasia, from the Iberian peninsula to eastern China. Taxonomy. "Pannonictis" is closely related to another prehistoric genus, "Enhydrictis". At least three species are recognized; "P. pliocaenica", "P. pachygnatha" and "P. nestii". Another species known as "P. pilgrimi" is no longer valid, and most likely a synonym of "P. pliocaenica". Description. As with many living mustelids, "Pannonictis  likely displayed pronounced sexual dimorphism. In fact, the small species known as P. pilgrimi" is now often considered merely a female form of the larger "P. pliocaenica". "P. nestii" was the smallest and most slender species of the genus as well as the latest surviving member. "P. pachygnatha" is a more robust species, with specific dental and mandible differences. An otter-like aquatic lifestyle for "Pannonictis" is not likely, but it has been suggested it inhabited areas near river courses, much like their phylogenetic descendant, the living grison.