Taphonomic analysis of rodent bone accumulations produced by Geoffroy's cat (Leopardus geoffroyi, Carnivora, Felidae) in Central Argentina

Abstract

Rodent prey remains recovered from Geoffroy?s cat (Leopardus geoffroyi) scats were analyzed in order to identify taphonomic features produced by this predator. The analysis includes a year-long sampling discriminated by the seasons. Modifications produced by digestion are heavy. Taphonomic variables in samples discriminated by the seasons did not show major differences with respect to the total sample; thus, scats collected in any season clearly show the modifications on the bones of prey rodents made by Geoffroy?s cats. The results presented here and its interpretation could be extrapolated to an analysis of zooarchaeological or paleontological assemblages.