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

• DNA is preserved in the majority of Holocene fossils. • Four Pleistocene fossils from 12,000 to 50,000 years-old preserve endogenous DNA. • Collagen is preserved only in Holocene fossils. • Fossils were digitized via 3D models, photographs, and occurrence records. • Considerations shared for palaeogenetic studies on fossils from lower latitudes.