Pareiasauridae is an extinct family of herbivorous reptiles that lived during the late Permian period, around 260 million years ago. They were characterized by their stout bodies, thick limbs, and distinctive bony armor on their skulls and backs. These reptiles were part of the larger group known as Parareptilia. Pareiasaurids were primarily found in what is now Africa, Europe, and Asia. They played a significant role in their ecosystems, feeding on low-lying vegetation. Their unique adaptations allowed them to thrive in various environments before their extinction at the end of the Permian period, likely due to the mass extinction event that affected many species.