RT Journal Article
T1 Neo-taphonomic analysis of the Misiam leopard lair from Olduvai Gorge (Tanzania): understanding leopard–hyena interactions in open settings
A1 Domínguez Rodrigo, Manuel
A1 Organista, Elia
A1 Baquedano, Enrique
A1 Cifuentes Alcobendas, Gabriel
A1 Pizarro Monzo, Marcos
A1 Vegara Riquelme, Marina
A1 Gidna, Agnes
A1 Uribelarrea Del Val, David
A1 Martín Perea, David
AB Misiam is a modern wildebeest-dominated accumulation situated in a steep ravine covered with dense vegetation at Olduvai Gorge (Tanzania). It is interpreted here as a leopard lair to which carcasses have been transported for several years. Felid-specific bone damage patterns, felid-typical skeletal part profiles, taxonomic specialization and the physical presence of leopards observed by the authors show that leopards at Misiam can be specialized medium-sized carcass accumulators. Hyenas also intervened at intervals in the modification of the retrieved faunal assemblage. This makes Misiam a carnivore palimpsest. Here, we additionally show that leopards only transport and accumulate carcasses on occasions, that they can seem highly specialized despite being dietary generalists, and that such a behaviour may be prompted by seasonal competition or during the breeding season or both. Misiam is the first open-air leopard lair with a dense bone accumulation reported. There, leopards engaged in intensive accumulation of carcasses during the wet season, when the southern Serengeti short-grass plains undergo the effect of the famous wildebeest migration and this migratory species reaches the gorge. The ecological importance of this behaviour and its relevance as a proxy for reconstructing prehistoric carnivore behaviours are discussed.
PB The Royal Society
SN ESSN: 2054-5703
YR 2022
FD 2022
LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/72481
UL https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/72481
LA eng
NO Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICINN)
NO Ministerio de Agricultura
NO Swedish Research Council
NO Palarq Foundation and E2 in.
DS Docta Complutense
RD 17 abr 2025