Nimravidae

extinct mammal family

Also known as: nimravid

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July 19, 2026

Quick Summary

The Nimravidae were an extinct family of catlike carnivores that existed from approximately 37 to 7 million years ago. These animals are often referred to as sabre-toothed cats due to their elongated, bladelike canine teeth in the upper jaw.1

While sometimes called sabre-toothed tigers or lions, they are distinct from modern cats (Felidae). The Nimravidae family includes genera such as Hoplophoneus, Nimravus, Dinictis, and Barbourofelis. These ancient predators roamed North America and Europe during the Miocene and Pliocene epochs.12

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sabre-toothed cat
…to the fossil record, the Nimravidae were extant from about 37 million to 7 million years ago. Only distantly related to felids, they include the genera Hoplophoneus, Nimravus, Dinictis, and Barbourofelis. The Machairodontinae, extant from about 12 million to less than 10,000 years ago, include the more familiar Smilodon as…
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…to the fossil record, the Nimravidae were extant from about 37 million to 7 million years ago. Only distantly related to felids, they include the genera Hoplophoneus, Nimravus, Dinictis, and Barbourofelis. The Machairodontinae, extant from about 12 million to less than 10,000 years ago, include the more familiar Smilodon as…
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