2026-04-14T03:20:06Zhttps://recercat.cat/oai/request

oai:recercat.cat:2445/2246582026-04-07T21:57:36Zcom_2072_1057col_2072_478857col_2072_478917

00925njm 22002777a 4500 dc Rufà, Anna author Sanz Borràs, Montserrat author Daura Luján, Joan author 2025-12-03T18:26:25Z 2025-12-03T18:26:25Z 2025-10-01 2025-12-03T18:26:25Z Pleistocene deposits often result from multiple and overlapping contributions. Carnivores play a significant role as bone accumulators in archaeological sites, but identifying the specific agent responsible for a particular accumulation can be challenging. Referential studies provide valuable insights into bone accumulation patterns, but they are based on modern collections and often fail to account for taphonomic biases associated with site formation processes. Here, we present, for the first time, a taphonomic study focused on fossilised Pleistocene Iberian lynx coprolites within the European context. The assemblage, dated to ca. 33 ky B.P., was recovered from layer III of Cova del Gegant, a site identified as a lynx den likely used for rearing cubs. This study is based on previous research at the site and analyses bone remains consumed by the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), recovered from coprolites, to investigate their role in archaeological contexts. The findings are consistent with other lynx accumulations documented in literature, particularly regarding leporid remains. The anatomical proportions in this assemblage are more balanced than other types of accumulations, with a higher representation of cranial elements. Digestive damage is predominant, affecting most bones, especially at moderate and strong degrees. These results enhance our understanding of archaeological accumulation processes and highlight the role of lynxes as bone accumulators. The archaeological evidence from the site indicates that the Iberian lynx inhabited environments and climates that differ significantly from those currently observed. However, the present study suggests that its diet remained relatively consistent with that of contemporary Iberian populations. Linx ibèric Lepòrids Conreu Plistocè Paleolític Sitges (Catalunya) Spanish lynx Leporidae Crops Pleistocene Paleolithic period Sitges (Catalonia) Deciphering the diet of the Iberian lynx: Insights from taphonomic analysis of Pleistocene coprolites