Los pumas (Puma concolor) como agentes tafonómicos. Análisis actualístico de un sitio de matanza en los Andes de Mendoza, Argentina

A taphonomic study of the carcass of an adult guanaco (Lama guanicoe) recently killed and consumed by one or more pumas (Puma concolor) in the Laguna del Diamante reserve (Mendoza province, Argentina) is exposed, and the case is discussed in the light of the available taphonomic information on this agent in America. The carcass was dispersed along more than 30 m and basically devoid of soft tissues. Thirty-four percent of the bones presented tooth modifications, removal of bone tissue and edge damage, mostly attributable to pumas. Some of these modifications are considerable, as in the case of the skull. The results of the study suggest that bone modifications are intense as compared to other taphonomic studies on this felid. The implications of this are discussed, and the conclusion is reached that more knowledge is needed on the range of variation in puma taphonomic action and the conditions under which such variation occurs.