Abstract

PREVOSTI, Francisco J.; BONOMO, Mariano  and  TONNI, Eduardo P.. The distribution of Chrysocyon brachyurus (Illiger, 1811) (Mammalia: Carnivora: Canidae) in Argentina during the Holocene: Paleoenvironmental implications. Mastozool. neotrop. [online]. 2004, vol.11, n.1, pp.27-43. ISSN 0327-9383.

On the basis of the current distribution of C. brachyurus and the climatic factors (temperature and precipitation) of the area, the paleontological and archaeological record as well as the historical and etnohistorical data are evaluated and described in order to reconstruct its distribution during the Holocene. The evidences of climatic changes in the area are discussed within regional and global scale. It is also reported a new record of C. brachyurus found in sediments of the Late Holocene of an archaeological site in the southeastern Pampean region. The new material (a fifth metatarsal) is the southernmost record of C. brachyurus, being 500 km south from the nearest fossil record, and more than 1000 km farther south from the present distribution area. In addition, it is the oldest record in Argentina. The bibliographical revision showed that there are no evidences supporting the presence of C. brachyurus in historical times south of the area of its current distribution. The current distribution of C. brachyurus, and probably that of the Late Holocene, is linked to mean temperatures higher than 19°C and mean precipitation between 1500 and 550 mm. The presence of this species during the Holocene would be related to moments of less aridity and higher temperatures.

Keywords : Chrysocyonbrachyurus; Carnivora; Holocene; climate.

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