Carnivore coprolites from “Gruta del Indio” site as source of paleoparasitological and paleoecological evidences (late Pleistocene-Holocene, Mendoza, Argentina)

In the southern cone of South America, inhabit a large diversity Neotropical carnivores. Carnivore coprolites are valuable source paleoecological and paleoparasitological information. The rock shelter Gruta del Indio (GI) is an emblematic archeological paleontological site located from Mendoza, Argentina. Several studies were conducted at this site, which provided stratified sequence spanning last ∼31 ky BP. aim work was to study parasite remains found in assigned carnivores GI, with purpose contributing knowledge site. Twenty examined for parasites. Samples rehydrated 0.5% water solution trisodium phosphate, then homogenized, filtered, processed by spontaneous sedimentation. macroscopic separated dried room temperature diet analysis. All micromammal prey belonged Order Rodentia, six histricomorphs could be identified. Also, bird bones, plant, arthropod, hair found. Five contained remains, eight nematode species recovered. This first findings broaden biogeographic history gastrointestinal helminths obtained results evidence importance carnivore coprolite recovered contexts reconstruction scenarios. dispersion their own parasites discussed. These parasitological contribute presence potential parasitic zoonoses Holocene.