Bone modification and destruction patterns of leporid carcasses by Geoffroy’s cat (Leopardus geoffroyi): An experimental study

Abstract

This paper characterizes the bone modification patterns on leporid carcasses generated by captive Geoffroy?s cats (Leopardus geoffroyi). The modification pattern from non-ingested remains is described in terms of anatomical representation, breakage, and tooth marks. Results from this experimental study suggest that Geoffroy?s cat tends to mostly destroy ribs and vertebrae. A high proportion of fractures were registered in the scapulas, cranium, and the epiphysis of long bones. The innominate, scapula, mandible, and long bones showed high frequencies of tooth marks, dominated by pits and punctures. If the activity of this particular predator is identified in fossil assemblages, the differential inter- and intrabone survival produced by this agent on small mammal prey should be taken into consideration when discussing anatomical part representation.