Annual isotopic diet (δ13C, δ18O) of Notiomastodon platensis in the Brazilian Intertropical region during the Last Glacial Maximum

Abstract

Notiomastodon platensis was a Pleistocene proboscidean endemic to South America, and until now, the unique proboscidean taxon recognized in Brazil, representing one of the most important herbivorous megamammals present in the Brazilian Intertropical Region (BIR). The aim of this study was to analyze δ13C and δ18O isotopic signatures from samples from two dentin incremental layers of an individual tusk from the Sousa municipality (Paraíba State, Brazil), in order to infer diet, niche breadth, and paleoenvironment. Radiocarbon dating suggests that the studied individual lived in the Last Glacial Maximum age (24,190–24,567 Cal yr BP), and probably had a mixed-feeder diet with slightly higher consumption of C3 plants (δ13C = −7.5 ± 0.2‰, pi = 68%) during two years of its life. We suggest a generalist habit (BA = 0.83) for this individual, similar to the results found for this species in other BIR locations. In addition, we suggest that the individual from Sousa/PB lived in a wetter environment (δ18O = 27.2 ± 0.5‰) when compared to other localities in the BIR.