The role of small carnivores in the movement of bones: implications for the Pampas archaeofaunal record, Argentina

Abstract

The use of the same spaces and prey by humans and carnivores often leads to the formation of complex faunal assemblages, in which the anatomical and taxonomic composition results from the combined action of these agents. The aim of this paper is to evaluate bone movement based on actualistic research in the Pampas region of Argentina, with an emphasis on the action of carnivores as agents responsible for transport and accumulation of bone. Number of taxa, percentage of specimens affected by carnivores in each environmental context, skeletal representation and carnivore modifications on European hare from the hills and the coast, and bone movement are discussed. The implications of our actualistic results for the regional archaeological record are also addressed. All of the sampled environments presented evidence of carnivore modifications, with percentages between 9 % (coast) and 40 % (hills). This information demonstrates that this agent plays an active role in the formation of modern bone assemblages in the Pampas region and provides a frame of reference for exploring interpretations about the low percentages of carnivore activity recorded in the archaeological record of the region. We argue that carnivores not only modify an assemblage by incorporating or destroying bones, but also by moving them to other locations. Consequently, carnivore effects on site formation in the Pampas region should not be underestimated when their marks are scarce.