Fossil record and isotopic paleoecology (δ13c) of cuniculus rugiceps in Toca da Raposa, Simão Dias, Sergipe, Brazil

Abstract

This paper reports the occurrence of a third lower molar (m3) of Cuniculus rugiceps in the Toca da Raposa cave (Simão Dias, Sergipe), plus, presents and interpret the carbon isotopic results (δ13C). Cuniculus spp. fossil records are restricted to the Brazilian territory, in Minas Gerais, Bahia, Mato Grosso do Sul, Goiás, Sao Paulo, Paraná, Acre, Pará and Piauí. An analysis of the isotopic carbon ratio indicates that it had a specialized diet in C3 plants (δ13C =-12.24 ‰; pi = 80%; BA = 0.47), following the superimposition with the Caatinga distribution, we suggest that it lived in Seasonal Dry Forest habitat. This new record expands the knowledge of the fossil fauna of Toca da Raposa, as well, provide ecological information for Cuniculus rugiceps.