Comparative study of tooth marks by two small south american carnivores

Authors

  • Agustina Massigoge INCUAPA-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Av. del Valle 5737, B7400JWI, Olavarría, Buenos Aires
  • María A. Gutiérrez INCUAPA-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Av. del Valle 5737, B7400JWI, Olavarría, Buenos Aires
  • María C. Álvarez INCUAPA-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Av. del Valle 5737, B7400JWI, Olavarría, Buenos Aires
  • Cristian A. Kaufmann INCUAPA-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Av. del Valle 5737, B7400JWI, Olavarría, Buenos Aires
  • Daniel J. Rafuse INCUAPA-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Av. del Valle 5737, B7400JWI, Olavarría, Buenos Aires
  • Mariela E. González INCUAPA-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Av. del Valle 5737, B7400JWI, Olavarría, Buenos Aires

Abstract

In the following paper we present the preliminary results of an experimental study performed with Pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus) and Geoffroy’s cat (Leopardus geoffroyi). The objectives are to characterize the tooth mark patterns generated by each carnivore on non ingested bone of a small mammal and evaluate if there exists differences in these patterns. Results indicate that both carnivores generate similar types and proportions of modifications; however, the average number of marks per specimen is double for the Pampas fox. The preliminary information obtained here indicates that the size of the pits does not appear to be a sufficient diagnostic criterion to distinguish the action of these two predators.

Keywords:

Tooth Marks, Pits, Pampas Fox, Geoffroy’s Cat, Experimental Sample