Evaluation of DNA and collagen preservation in Late Pleistocene and Holocene bovid fossils from South Africa

Key Points

• This research aims to assess the preservation of DNA and collagen in bovid fossils from different geological epochs in South Africa.
• Fossils were analyzed for DNA preservation across Late Pleistocene and Holocene epochs, with ages ranging from 12,000 to 50,000 years.
• Collagen analysis was exclusively performed on Holocene fossils.
• Fossils were digitized using 3D models, photographs, and occurrence records.
• The majority of Holocene fossils preserved endogenous DNA.
• Four Pleistocene fossils successfully preserved DNA.
• Collagen preservation was only observed in Holocene fossils.