Carcass utilization and bone modifications on guanaco killed by puma in northern Patagonia, Argentina

CRISTIAN KAUFMANN; DANIEL RAFUSE; MARIELA GONZÁLEZ; MARÍA CLARA ALVAREZ; NAHUEL SCHEIFLER; MARÍA A. GUTIÉRREZ

QUATERNARY INTERNATIONAL

PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2018 vol. 466 p. 165 - 177

1040-6182

Inspired by the early fieldwork of G. Haynes with large sized predators in wilderness areas,the following paper presents data on bone damage patterns in a sample of guanacos killedby one of the largest predators in South America, the puma (Puma concolor, Felidae,Carnivora). We describe the bone modification pattern on the carcasses, including skeletalpart representation, bone fractures, and tooth marks. Also, tooth mark modifications onbones collected from a puma enclosure at a local zoo were analyzed. Our results indicate alight modification of guanaco carcass by puma; bone damages located mainly in the upperportions of rear and forelimbs, rib cage, and scapular and pelvic girdles; and the presence ofa low percentage of fractured bones. Scores, pits, and punctures are the best representedtooth marks. On average, punctures are 3.5 to 5 mm, although larger tooth impressions areobserved. The light consumption of guanaco by the puma would provide a potential sourcefor scavenging by other carnivores and humans.