Taphonomy of a novel small carnivore: experimental analysis of honey badger ( Mellivora capensis ) modifications on leporid prey

摘要: The honey badger is a widespread, but understudied African carnivore, with high potential as bone accumulator in cave and fossil deposits. This study serves the first investigation into taphonomic modifications of this species when feeding on small to medium-sized prey. Domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cunniculus) carcasses where fed experimentally breeding pair captive badgers housed at Johannesburg Zoo. Bones from refuse carnivore scats were analysed for anatomical composition, fragmentation patterns, tooth marks digestion. results compared studies various carnivores leporid Honey preferentially opened their prey belly focussed nutritionally high-yield soft parts, often discarding low-yield parts like distal appendages, crania skins. assemblage complete unmodified stripped flesh. scat displayed very fragmentation, light digestive modification numbers marked bones. latter character was particularly diagnostic badger. investigates that has received little interest shows act accumulator. Further research will greatly enhance our understanding its activity record.