A systematic review of agouti (Dasyproctidae: Dasyprocta) records from the pre‐1492 Lesser Antilles: New perspectives on an introduced commensal

Abstract

AbstractThe agouti (Dasyprocta sp.), a medium‐sized neotropical rodent, was introduced by indigenous peoples to the Caribbean islands over a millennium ago and is recorded at archeological sites throughout the Lesser Antilles and southern Caribbean. Like many commensal fauna, these mammals are valuable proxies for deciphering ancient human practices and mobility. However, unsystematic reporting and ambiguous data hinder determination of the agouti's timing of entry, paths of dissemination, distribution, ecological impact, and cultural significance. Here, we present the first systematic review of all published records of which we are aware for pre‐1492 agouti skeletal remains in the Caribbean, totaling 63 sites on 24 islands. On the basis of these data, we address the issue of archeological species attributions in relation to unresolved phylogenetic and taxonomic issues for Dasyprocta spp. In addition, we synthesize findings for agouti distribution, abundance, and chronology of occurrence. Data are consistent with an initial introduction to the northern Lesser Antilles by ca. AD 35 and perhaps as early as ca. 500 BC. While the midden contexts in which agoutis are almost always found affirm their use as food, ethnohistoric records point to the utilization of skeletal remains in ritual and artifact manufacture. This study provides the first region‐wide synthesis of archeological agoutis and highlights the important insights to be gained from such systematic reviews. It is particularly significant for informing the potential ecological impacts of indigenous faunal introductions prior to Columbus's arrival.