Abstract
Medium-size animals such as rabbits and hares are common occurrences in fossil assemblages, and make up a large part of the diet of many carnivores. However their mode of accumulation, especially in African localities is poorly understood. This investigation undertook experimental feeding of domestic rabbit carcasses to captive caracal (Caracal caracal), in order to create a taphonomic model of bone modifications that can be applied to fossil assemblages. We investigated the modification patterns of both the feeding refuse (non-ingested) and the scatological remains. The anatomical composition, breakage patterns, digestive modifications and tooth marks are described. The caracals preferentially fed on high yield parts of the rabbit carcass and discarded low yield parts like the cranium and feet, a pattern that has been observed in wild and captive coyotes when food resources are abundant. Rabbit remains from the caracal displayed poor survival, relative to other small carnivores. Fragmentation in the scat assemblage was high. Bones were extensively but lightly digested and carnivore tooth marks were frequent. This investigation provides a model of bone modification in a carnivore that while common in fossil localities has received little taphonomic attention. The study also exhibits how detailed actualistic investigations can provide information that may aid palaeoecological interpretations.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
