Taphonomy of micromammals consumed by the Achala fox (Lycalopex culpaeus smithersi) in Córdoba, Argentina. Testing for seasonal patterns.

COLL, D.; F. J. FERNÁNDEZ; M. V. PIA; M. MONDINI

Congreso; 4th Palaeontological Virtual Congress; 2023

Carnivorous mammals generate specific prey bone accumulations,including scats containing ingested remains, namely composedby microvertebrates. Here we present an actualistic study of themicromammals consumed by the Achala fox (Lycalopex culpaeussmithersi), endemic to the Pampa de Achala plateau (2000masl average, 31º36’S, 64º51’W) in the mountains of Córdoba,Argentina, including previously unpublished samples. While thetaphonomic patterns characterizing this canid were previouslydescribed, the aim of this new study is to assess whether theywere affected by yearly seasonal changes. In order to do that,we compare the taphonomic patterns on the bones producedduring the dry and wet seasons, based on 172 faeces collectedduring 2003, 2005 and 2007. The cavid Galea leucoblephara wasthe main prey in both seasons, followed by several cricetids. Theaverage relative anatomical abundance was 18.97% in the wetseason and 22.3% in the dry one. Cranial elements were the mostabundant ones in both seasons, followed by a great proportionof proximal limb elements and pelvis just in the dry season. Ahigh degree of fragmentation was observed in skulls and jaws,with no significant differences between seasons. Notably, lightdigestion was dominant, but it reached strong and extreme levelsin some elements throughout the year. In spite of the intra-annualenvironmental differences, no significant taphonomic variationsare observed. These results contribute to the understanding ofthe taphonomy of micromammals consumed by this carnivoreunder different environmental conditions, and therefore, they arerelevant to interpreting the formation of the fossil record.