Wildcat scats: Taphonomy of the predator and its micromamal prey

Marín-Monfort, María Dolores; García-Morato, Sara; Olucha, R.; Yravedra, José; Piñeiro, Ana; Barja, Isabel; Andrews, Peter; Fernández–Jalvo, Yolanda

doi:10.1016/j.quascirev.2019.106024

Cited by 13 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 60 publications

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“…(2017) and Marín‐Monfort et al . (2019). This methodology considers three main variables according to type of alteration, frequency and intensity degrees of affected elements: (i) relative abundance of skeletal elements; (ii) breakage patterns; and (iii) digestion.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Taphonomic analysis focused on distinguishing small mammal natural predators mainly followed the methodology proposed by Andrews (1990) and updated by Fernández-Jalvo and Andrews (1992), Fernández-Jalvo et al (2016), Fernández et al (2017) and Marín-Monfort et al (2019). This methodology considers three main variables according to type of alteration, frequency and intensity degrees of affected elements: (i) relative abundance of skeletal elements; (ii) breakage patterns; and (iii) digestion.…”

Section: Taphonomic Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

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Actualistic taphonomy of barn owl pellet‐derived small mammal bone accumulations in arid environments of South America

López

2020

J Quaternary Science

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The avian family of barn owls (Tytonidae, Strigiformes) is the most geographically widespread group of owls in the world and one of the most common accumulators of small mammal bone and tooth remains recovered from archaeological and palaeontological sites. The present study analyses the taphonomic characteristics of modern barn owl pellet-derived small mammal bone and tooth accumulations at three roosting sites from the central Monte Desert, one of the most arid regions of South America. In order to identify the taphonomic signature of this predator in the formation of zooarchaeological and palaeontological accumulations, taxonomic structure, relative abundance of skeletal elements, bone and teeth breakage patterns, and digestion were evaluated. Taphonomic results locate the barn owl in modification category 1 (light modifier). Although the general taphonomic results obtained in the present study were similar to a common barn owl pattern, the three samples showed variability both among them and with other samples previously reported in different regions of the world. Very light digestion was detected on incisors, whereas the proportion of digestion on incisors was close to 20%. Cricetid and murid rodents as well as marsupials were detected. Salinomys delicatus, a scarcely known and endangered cricetid species, was recovered.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Taphonomic Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Actualistic taphonomy of barn owl pellet‐derived small mammal bone accumulations in arid environments of South America

López

2020

J Quaternary Science

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“…Digestion in post-cranial elements was recognized on proximal epiphyses of the femora and distal ends of humeri following Marin-Monfort et al (2019). The number of digested remains was compared to the total number of femora and humeri in order to obtain proportions of affected fossil bones.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Contribution of small mammal taphonomy to the last Neanderthal occupations at the El Salt site (Alcoi, southeastern Spain)

et al. 2021

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The El Salt site (Alcoi, Alicante, Spain) is one of the latest Neanderthal sites in the south-eastern Iberian Peninsula. The disappearance of this human group is controversial and needs detailed studies from different research areas. Taphonomy is essential to establish how representative is a fossil assemblage of the past living organisms that produced it and to interpret the formation process of the fossil site. In the case of El Salt, we have analyzed the micromammal assemblages of Units X and V, which contain fossils of Neanderthals and/or evidence of their activity. In contrast with previous identifications of the little owl (Athene noctua), our detailed taphonomic study shown here allows us to conclude that the main predator involved in the production of the micromammal assemblages was the European eagle owl (Bubo bubo). This is an opportunistic predator whose feeding preferences and behavior reflect the abundance of local micromammalian species, which can therefore provide a representation of past ecosystems near El Salt. The taphonomic information provided by this study also indicates the absence of transport and reworking processes, and reinforces previous paleoecological interpretations, suggesting an increase of aridity at the top of El Salt sequence that coincided with the local disappearance of Neanderthals.

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“…In archaeological contexts, leporid accumulations of anthropic, exogenous, or intrusive origin are common in this large area. In order to understand the agents behind these accumulations, a substantial effort was made to obtain actualistic data on the action of different raptors and terrestrial carnivores (Arilla et al, 2019; Hockett, 1991; Lloveras et al, 2017, 2008a, 2008b, 2009, 2012; Lloveras, Nadal, et al, 2014; Lloveras et al, 2018; Lloveras, Thomas, et al, 2014; Mallye, 2011; Mallye et al, 2008; Marin‐Monfort et al, 2019; Rodríguez‐Hidalgo et al, 2013, 2015; Sanchis, 2000; Sanchis et al, 2014; Yravedra, 2006; Yravedra et al, 2014; among others). Together with the analysis of anthropogenic modifications, it was possible to study several assemblages of prehistoric chronologies and understand human influence in different accumulations (e.g., Arriaza et al, 2017; Cochard, 2004; Hockett & Haws, 2002; Lloveras et al, 2009, 2012; Pérez Ripoll, 2005; Rosado‐Méndez et al, 2019; Rufà et al, 2018; Sanchis, 2012; Sanchis et al, 2011; Yravedra, 2008).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Who's to blame? The Mesolithic non‐anthropic leporids from Cueva de los Postes (Badajoz, Spain)

Almeida

Giraldo

Domínguez

et al. 2021

Intl J of Osteoarchaeology

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The Mesolithic faunal assemblage from Cueva de Los Postes (Badajoz, Spain) is presented and discussed. The faunal remains from different stratigraphic units spatially associated with the Mesolithic funerary use of the cave or preceded them were analyzed. The zooarchaeological record is dominated by leporids, generally rabbit but also hare, scarce mustelids, and undetermined birds. Results indicate that these animals are not associated with the human use of the cave. The relevance of carnivore damage points to an exogenous origin for leporid accumulation. It is inferred that this mixed deposit of scats and non‐ingested remains results from foxes' activity.

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Wildcat scats: Taphonomy of the predator and its micromamal prey

Cited by 13 publications

References 60 publications

Actualistic taphonomy of barn owl pellet‐derived small mammal bone accumulations in arid environments of South America

Actualistic taphonomy of barn owl pellet‐derived small mammal bone accumulations in arid environments of South America

Contribution of small mammal taphonomy to the last Neanderthal occupations at the El Salt site (Alcoi, southeastern Spain)

Who's to blame? The Mesolithic non‐anthropic leporids from Cueva de los Postes (Badajoz, Spain)

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