Taphonomic Analysis of Pseudalopex griseus (Gray, 1837) Scat Assemblages and their Archaeological Implications

GÓMEZ, GUSTAVO; KAUFMANN, CRISTIAN

Journal of Taphonomy

Prometheus Press

Lugar: Madrid; Año: 2007 vol. 5 p. 59 - 70

1696-0815

Abstract   Grey fox (Pseudalopex griseus) scats deposited in the immediate vicinity of guanaco (Lama guanicoe) carcasses were analyzed to evaluate the carnivore´s transport of bones and foreign species. Samples were from arid, semi-desert Río Negro Province, Argentina, where the annual mean temperature, a temperate 15º C, varies widely with the season. Rates of breakage, presence of tooth marks and digestion traces on bones from scats were analyzed to categorize the sample of small grey fox according to prey modifications. Values of modification variables used in categorization indicate that the grey fox (Pseudalopex griseus) may be considered a Category 5 predator.   Key Words: Taphonomy. Digestion traces. Grey fox. Micromammals. Patagonic Steppe.