Taphonomic analysis of rodent bone accumulations produced by Geoffroy's cat (Leopardus geoffroyi, Carnivora, Felidae) in Central Argentina

• Published in: Journal of archaeological science 2012-07, Vol.39 (7), p.1933-1941
• Main Authors: Montalvo, Claudia I., Bisceglia, Silvina, Kin, Marta S., Sosa, Ramón A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animal and plant ecology; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Animals; Autoecology; Biological and medical sciences; Bones; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Leopardus geoffroyi; Mammalia; Rodent prey; Taphonomy; Vertebrata
• ISSN: 0305-4403; 1095-9238
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jas.2012.02.024

Rodent prey remains recovered from Geoffroy's cat (Leopardus geoffroyi) scats were analyzed in order to identify taphonomic features produced by this predator. The analysis includes a year-long sampling discriminated by the seasons. Modifications produced by digestion are heavy. Taphonomic variables in samples discriminated by the seasons did not show major differences with respect to the total sample; thus, scats collected in any season clearly show the modifications on the bones of prey rodents made by Geoffroy's cats. The results presented here and its interpretation could be extrapolated to an analysis of zooarchaeological or paleontological assemblages. ► Taphonomic features produced by Geoffroy’s cat (Leopardus geoffroyi) on rodent prey remains discriminated by seasons were evaluated. ► The results allow assigning Geoffroy’s cat to the heavy modification category with respect to micromammal remains. ► When the variables were considered by season, they did not show important differences with respect to the total sample. ► Each of them can clearly show the modifications on rodent prey produced by this predator.