The ocelot Leopardus pardalis (Linnaeus, 1758) (Carnivora, Felidae) in the late Pleistocene of Uruguay

Abstract

The Felidae entered South America from North America during the Ensenadan Stage/Age (early to middle Pleistocene). For Uruguay, their fossil record is scarce but informative, although mostly of them correspond to large size felids (Smilodon, Panthera onca). In the present contribution, skull and mandibular remains are assigned, based on anatomical comparisons and numerical analyses, to Leopardus pardalis, which configure the first fossil record reliable documented of this feline in this country. These materials come from late Pleistocene rocks (the Sopas Formation) from northern Uruguay. Based on this remains, topics related to its palaeobiology and palaeoecology are discussed. In this way, during late Pleistocene in the territory of Uruguay, L. pardalis would have been the main predator on intermediate levels of the trophic chain, while supporting the possible development of dense and semi-open forest cover.