Small mammal remains from Cueva Huenul 1, northern Patagonia, Argentina: Taphonomy and paleoenvironments since the Late Pleistocene

Abstract

Small mammal samples from the archaeological sequence of Cueva Huenul 1 (CH1, 36°56'45'S, 69°47'32'W, Neuquén Province, Argentina) are described, and taphonomic and paleoenvironmental conditions assessed. This site is located near the steppe-monte ecotone in the northernmost Patagonia. Small mammal remains (NISP=1426, MNE=1409, MNI=87) were recovered from Late Pleistocene (13,800-11,800 14C BP), Early Holocene (9500 14C BP) and Late Holocene layers (1400 14C BP). Taphonomic analysis indicates that the CH1 assemblage is an archaeofaunistic owl pellet accumulation. It has a good post-depositional preservation since it was rapidly incorporated in the sedimentary matrix, although it previously experienced trampling action. From latest Pleistocene to Late Holocene, the assemblages are mainly composed by the sigmodontines Eligmodontia spp. and Phyllotis xanthopygus, and the caviomorphs Microcavia australis and Ctenomys sp., suggesting in overall terms a marked ecological stability. CHl is one of the few sites where the Pleistocene-Holocene transition is represented by faunal evidence. The latest Pleistocene sample spanning 13,800 and 11,800 14C BP indicate scrub steppe with substantial open ground and rocky exposition; one Early Holocene sample (9500 14C BP) suggests a more heterogeneous environment as evidenced by the first occurrence of Akodon iniscatus and Euneomys chinchilloides. In this context, CH1 assemblages do not reflect the small mammal community reworking that putatively accompanied the Pleistocene-Holocene transition.