The presence of Panthera onca Linnaeus 1758 (Felidae) in the Pleistocene of the region of Lagoa Santa, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract

The region of Lagoa Santa, State of Minas Gerais (Brazil) presents an important karst complex that includes several caves with a large amount of osteological material. Among the places of great palaeontological importance is the Cuvieri Cave, known for the diversity of extinct and extant animal species, including large cats. The Felidae emerged in South America during the Great American Biotic Interchange, and in a short period, they became the main predators of the region, with considerable osteological record. Currently, Panthera onca is the main carnivore in Neotropical America, even so Pleistocene specimens are little known or studied. An adult specimen, represented by teeth, small appendicular bones (calcaneus, astragalus, phalanges, metacarpals and metatarsals) and fragmented larger bones (ulna, femur and tibia), of Pleistocene age found in the Cuvieri Cave is presented here, providing anatomical and preservation data, adding information about this species in the Brazilian Quaternary.