Late-Holocene and recent changes in small mammal communities of Northern Córdoba (central Argentina): Evidence from archeological records and owl pellets

Small mammals are highly sensitive bioindicators widely used to reconstruct paleoenvironmental conditions. This study analyzes modern and archeological assemblages from Northern Córdoba province (central Argentina) to evaluate changes in community structure from the Holocene to the present. Modern data derive from raptor pellet samples across different environmental units (Espinal, Mountain Chaco and Arid Chaco), while archeological data span ca. 6000–400 years BP and come from the Mountain Chaco. Taxonomic richness, diversity, and evenness were assessed, and assemblage composition was examined in relation to environmental and taphonomic factors. Archeological assemblages show moderate to high diversity and reflect heterogeneous landscapes, with gradual compositional changes through time. The presence of taxa such as Holochilus brasiliensis in currently unsuitable environments suggests past conditions of greater moisture. In contrast, modern assemblages are dominated by opportunistic and introduced species, indicating a marked ecological reorganization. These results suggest long-term stability during the Holocene, followed by recent, human-drive changes linked to land-use intensification, habitat transformation, and biotic homogenization.