Pleistocene Bovidae (Mammalia) from Malapa, Gauteng Province, South Africa

Abstract

This study presents an analysis of the collection of Bovidae (Mammalia: Artiodac-tyla) currently available from the Australopithecus sediba-bearing site of Malapa, Gauteng Province, South Africa. The assemblage consists of partially articulated and closely associated skeletal elements. Estimates of ontogenetic age and, when possible , body mass were made based on the postcrania. The bovids are represented by a minimum number of 13 individuals, four of which have been identified below the Tribe level including Makapania broomi, Tragelaphus scriptus, Megalotragus sp., and Anti-dorcas recki. The sample size of the bovids is small, therefore only a preliminary paleo-environmental reconstruction is indicated. The paleoenvironment is consistent with reconstructions of nearby sites in the Cradle of Humankind, including a mosaic of grasslands and more extensive woodlands than historically recorded for the area. A permanent water source is also indicated. Taphonomic analysis of the bovid remains demonstrates bone breakage patterns indicative of dry, post depositional fractures. The bones do not exhibit marks particular to a bone accumulating agent. Despite the small sample size, the taphonomic analyses support the reconstruction of Malapa as a vertical death trap. These results suggest that the remains were buried and fossilized in a manner similar to the hominins, supporting a common origin for the hominin and non-hominin fauna ca. 1.977 million years ago. Over a relatively short span of time complete bovid individuals, alongside the individuals of A. sediba, entered the vertical death trap of Malapa, either accidentally or of their own volition, and ultimately became fossilized.