Papo Prehistoric Mammals 2017
Amongst the dinosaur (and one pterosaur), models being introduced by Papo this year, there are two prehistoric mammals, both members of the Order Carnivora. The Acrocanthosaurus, Ceratosaurus and the Cryolophosaurus might be getting all the attention, but we thought we would shed some light on the intriguing Papo Sabre-toothed cat and Cave Bear models that are also coming into stock over the next few months or so. These are exciting Papo prehistoric mammal models.
Papo Prehistoric Mammal Models
New for 2017 the Papo Sabre-toothed Cat and Cave Bear
Papo Smilodon and the Cave Bear.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Everything Dinosaur stockst the Papo “Les Dinosaures” model range.
To view the Papo prehistoric animal model range: Papo Prehistoric Animal Figures.
Papo Smilodon (S. fatalis)
When we saw the first images of the new for 2017 Papo Smilodon, we have to say we were somewhat taken aback. It looks very different from the Papo Smilodon model that is currently in the range, a model that was originally introduced in the second quarter of 2011.
The new figure is certainly more flamboyant than the 2011 replica, the pose is fascinating but it is the combination of a lion’s mane and those rear tiger stripes that gives this particular representation such an unusual look. In the modern lion Panthera leo, the males have manes. The mane is thought to have evolved under selection pressure caused as a result of this social cat needing to impress females/intimidate rivals. The mane provides a degree of protection during intraspecific conflicts, but we at Everything Dinosaur are not sure what evidence there is, if any, for a mane being present in the sub-family Machairodontinae of which Smilodon is a member.
The Papo Smilodon Model Introduced in 2011
Excellent model of a Sabre-toothed cat.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Did Smilodon Have a Mane?
Cave paintings of male Cave Lions (Panthera leo spelaea) show these lions without manes. Although, this does not mean the members of the Smilodon genus were not maned either. They could have had manes, there is simply not enough evidence to determine this either way (as far as we know). Many scientists have argued that the likes of Smilodon fatalis were social animals living in groups rather than solitary hunters. A mane could have evolved, an example of convergent evolution as Smilodon species were subjected to the same selection pressure as their modern, African counterparts.
The Papo 2017 Smilodon Figure
The Papo Sabre-tooth cat model (2017).
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Several palaeontologists and palaeobiologists have proposed that Sabre-toothed cats could have possessed a ruff of thick hair around the neck. This would have protected the neck and provided insulation against the cold. The scientific evidence remains incomplete, but for the moment Papo offers a maned and a maneless Sabre-toothed cat model for collectors.
As for those tiger stripes, research has shown that Smilodon was very probably an ambush predator.
Limb and locomotion studies have ruled out long pursuits of prey. It is likely that the likes of Smilodon fatalis, S. populator et al were camouflaged, perhaps some species did possess stripes reminiscent of a tiger.
The Papo Cave Bear (Ursus spelaeus)
The Papo Cave Bear replica is a real delight. There have not been that many Cave Bear models made by the mainstream manufacturers, Everything Dinosaur team members remember with fondness the Schleich Cave Bear, one of a series of prehistoric mammals that were once produced by that German company.
Papo’s interpretation of this Pleistocene beast (which although classified as a carnivoran. (the collective term for a member of the Carnivora), might actually have been almost entirely herbivorous, certainly has attitude. The thick, powerful frame is well-depicted and the beast is almost snarling at you, as if daring you to purchase it.
New for 2017 The Papo Cave Bear Model
Papo Cave Bear. The Cave Bear model is one of two new Papo prehistoric animal models for 2017.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Looking like it has just been disturbed from its winter refuge, this Cave Bear model is very well painted and the sculpt shows lots of detail. We congratulate Papo for introducing another prehistoric mammal into its “Les Dinosaures” model range.
A Skilfully Crafted Prehistoric Animal Model (Papo Cave Bear)
The Papo Cave Bear model.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The Smilodon and Cave Bear Figures (Papo Prehistoric Animal Models)
The Smilodon and Cave Bear figures are scheduled to be in stock at Everything Dinosaur sometime towards the end of quarter 2 (June or early July), we will keep readers posted about new editions to the model range.
Everything Dinosaur stocks a huge range of prehistoric animal models. The company also stocks the Papo model range.
To visit the company’s website: Everything Dinosaur.
Cave bear looks great but the cat looks terrible, sorry but it’s awful
Great Cave Bear…that’s it
The Smilodon is just terrible. In fact, its almost as if a joke is being played on everybody. There is nothing about this figure that is scientifically accurate.. It looks like a mythical creature from another planet.