https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9404-0155
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ABSTRACT
This paper aims to characterise the modifications caused by the Pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus) to the bones and teeth of its prey in the Espinal and Dry Chaco environments, in central Argentina. Plant remains, invertebrate remains, and vertebrate bones and teeth were recovered from a set of more than 180 faeces. From an actualistic perspective, we evaluated the taphonomic signature of this predator in the remains of snakes, birds and mammals recovered in its faeces. We achieved a high rate of taxonomical identification and recovered remains of exotic and native fauna, such as Ovis aries and Lagostomus maximus, respectively. The most remarkable aspects recorded in this taphonomic study were a high frequency of breakage, a low frequency of tooth marks (only observed in large prey), and a high frequency and intensity of digestion damage. The information generated in this study contributes to the evaluations of accumulating agents in archaeological and palaeontological sites of South America.
Acknowledgments
We thank the volunteers and technicians who collaborated with the field and laboratory work. Thanks to the employees of Patagones. The collection permits were granted by the Dirección de Flora y Fauna, belonging to the Ministerio de Desarrollo Agrario of Buenos Aires province. Jessica Manzano García authorised the use of the image of Lycalopex gymnocercus. Special thanks to Anna Rufà and Maria Paula Weihmüller for their valuable comments on the original version of this manuscript. Two anonymous reviewers improved the quality of this work.
Disclosure statement
No financial interest or benefit has arisen from the direct application of this research.
Data availability statement
All data are within the paper.