TAPHONOMY OF MICROMAMMALS CONSUMED BY THE ACHALA FOX (LYCALOPEX CULPAEUS SMITHERSI) IN CÓRDOBA, ARGENTINA. TESTING FOR SEASONAL PATTERNS

COLL, DAIANA G.; FERNANDEZ, F. J.; PIA, M V; MARIANA MONDINI

Congreso; 4th Palaeontological Virtual Congress; 2023

Carnivorous mammals generate specific prey bone accumulations, including scats containingingested remains, namely composed by microvertebrates. Here we present an actualistic study ofthe micromammals consumed by the Achala fox (Lycalopex culpaeus smithersi), endemic to thePampa de Achala plateau (2000 masl average, 31º36´S, 64º51´W) in the mountains of Córdoba,Argentina, including previously unpublished samples. While the taphonomic patternscharacterizing this canid were previously described, the aim of this new study is to assess whetherthey were affected by yearly seasonal changes. In order to do that, we compare the taphonomicpatterns on the bones produced during the dry and wet seasons, based on 172 faeces collectedduring 2003, 2005 and 2007. The cavid Galea leucoblephara was the main prey in both seasons,followed by several cricetids. The average relative anatomical abundance was 18.97% in the wetseason and 22.3% in the dry one. Cranial elements were the most abundant ones in both seasons,followed by a great proportion of proximal limb elements and pelvis just in the dry season. A highdegree of fragmentation was observed in skulls and jaws, with no significant differences betweenseasons. Notably, light digestion was dominant, but it reached strong and extreme levels in someelements throughout the year. In spite of the intra-annual environmental differences, no significanttaphonomic variations are observed. These results contribute to the understanding of thetaphonomy of micromammals consumed by this carnivore under different environmentalconditions, and therefore they are relevant to interpreting the formation of the fossil record.