Differential taphonomic pathways in a Pleistocene cave deposit from Brazil

In Brazil, caves constitute important paleontological deposits, often yielding exceptionally well-preserved fossil specimens. Numerous Pleistocene vertebrate fossils have been discovered in this region, and an increasing number of investigations are utilising these remains. However, research on the processes of deposition and preservation remains scarce, particularly detailed studies into the factors affecting different locations within the same cave. This study examines taphonomic signatures in 401 mammal fossil specimens from Toca da Barriguda cave (municipality of Campo Formoso, northeast of Brazil), one of the most important cave deposits in South America. The taphocoenosis of Toca da Barriguda cave includes five taxa distributed across three accumulations within the cave. The analysis enabled the identification and interpretation of distinct biostratinomic processes, revealing the existence of three separate taphonomic histories characterized by in situ, peripheral, and ex situ preserved assemblages. Throughout its history, the cave experienced alternating periods of humidity and dryness, which significantly influenced the preservation of these assemblages.