Deer by the river. History of the relationship between the pampas deer (<i>Ozotoceros bezoarticus</i>) and human societies along the Río de la Plata coast

Abstract

The Pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus) is a medium-sized, gregarious deer that occupies open grasslands, currently with greatly reduced distribution in Argentina. In the province of Buenos Aires, where it has been declared as Provincial Natural Monument, there is only a relictual population in Samborombón bay. Diverse sources of evidence indicate its past presence along the coast of Río de la Plata. The aim of this article is to contribute to the knowledge of the relationship between the Pampas deer and human societies from a diachronic perspective in the Río de la Plata area (Magdalena, Punta Indio and Berisso districts, Buenos Aires province). For this purpose, we combined archaeozoological information from pre-Hispanic and historical contexts, the study of historical documents, and the narratives of local inhabitants. Pre-Hispanic archaeological records show relevant presence of the species and allow us to interpret hunting strategies and integral exploitation. The European irruption began a process that shaped the current landscape, with the introduction of plant and animal species, particularly livestock. Several documentary sources point to the exploitation of the species and the commercialization of its hides and skins. In addition, the advance of cattle and the use of wire fences, which proliferated from the mid-19th century onwards, transformed the landscape inhabited by deer. At the beginning of the 20th century, the introduction of axis deer (Axis axis) and wild boar (Sus scrofa) contributed to the disappearance of the species. Pampas deer are considered part of the past of this coastal region. The confluence of analytical perspectives enables tracing the history of the animal-human relationship and looking into landscape-related knowledge.