Pleistocene fauna of the Cape south coast revealed through ichnology at two localities

• DOI: 10.17159/sajs.2019/5135
• Publication Date: 2019-01-23T13:57:28Z
• Authors: Charles W. Helm; Hayley C. Cawthra; Jan C. De Vynck; Martin G. Lockley; Richard T. McCrea; Jan Venter
• Keywords: Ichnology; Cape

East of Still Bay on the Cape south coast South Africa lies a rugged, remote stretch sea cliffs that expose Late Pleistocene aeolianites. A zone dense concentration fossil tracks occurs within this area. Two large rocks, which we call Roberts Rock and Megafauna Rock, were identified ~400 metres apart. These rocks contained variety trackways, individual tracks, burrow traces invertebrate trace fossils multiple bedding planes. Both found ex situ, but their context could be determined. has subsequently slid into ocean, at base coastal cliff. Probable trackmakers include elephant, long-horned buffalo, giant horse, rhinoceros, medium small artiodactyls, golden mole, birds invertebrates. Dating studies an adjacent site, is comparable to stratigraphy described here, indicate both most likely deposited in Marine Isotope Stage 5e (~128–116 ka). Analysis description these tracksites confirms potential ichnology complement skeletal record enhance understanding life southern Africa. The ephemeral nature such makes repeated visits coastline desirable, monitor fate known sites search for newly exposed surfaces. Significance: are two remarkable coast, contain four members megafauna. They provide glimpse dune suggest area teeming with mammals. made surfaces near interface between grassland Palaeo-Agulhas Plain inland Fynbos–Strandveld–Renosterveld. Faunal assemblages from vegetation zones might therefore recorded. body have inherent biases, independently complementary information palaeofaunal composition. provided first African records elephant (as by Dave colleagues 2008), rhinoceros track extinct horse track, evidence buffalo. slumped it provides example many tracksites. Conversely, new frequently become exposed. This scenario stresses need regular ichnological surveys along track-rich existing sites.