Abstract
Several years ago, a new genus and species of peccary, “<em>Muknalia minima</em>”, was described from the Pleistocene of Mexico. We previously examined that specimen and concluded that it was synonymous with the extant collared peccary, <em>Pecari tajacu</em>, but that taxonomic revision is rejected by the authors of the original study (this volume). Here, we provide further analysis of “<em>Muknalia</em>” and expand on previous evidence from both morphology and taphonomy that support synonymy with <em>P. tajacu</em>. We argue that morphological features, both in terms of size and shape, that were used to diagnose “<em>Muknalia</em>” all fall within the range of variation of the extant <em>P. tajacu</em>, or are a consequence of taphonomic modification, including human handling.
Highlights
A new genus and species of Pleistocene peccary (Muknalia minima) was recently described by Stinnesbeck et al (2017, 2018) based on an isolated left dentary from a submerged Yucatán cave
We observed and assessed this specimen and interpreted it to be synonymous with the collared peccary, Pecari tajacu (Schubert et al, 2020)
Preserved teeth are in good condition, displaying their intact morphology
Summary
A new genus and species of Pleistocene peccary (Muknalia minima) was recently described by Stinnesbeck et al (2017, 2018) based on an isolated left dentary from a submerged Yucatán cave. In contrast to the anterior 3⁄4, this posterior portion exhibits some intact and uncorroded bone surfaces that preserve predepositional evidence of human modification in the form of fine striations interpreted to be cut marks (Stinnesbeck et al, 2018), and polishing on cortical and trabecular bone (Schubert et al, 2020).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
