Panthera spp.
I have recently recorded a medieval/post-medieval
faunal assemblage from Bawtry, S. Yorks. In a context containing typical
evidence for domestic debris (mainly cattle and sheep, a little fish and hare -
all heavily butchered), I also identified a mandible as Panthera
spp. It is approximately lion-sized, but the state of preservation is
extremely poor.
Given that the domestic bones are in excellent
condition, I am wondering if this could be a Plesitocene (?) intrusion.
Unfortunately my knowledge of big cats in pre-Ice Age England is extremely
limited. Can anyone help with other find spots, geological periods that
Panthera may be expected in etc?
With thanks
Jane Richardson
Dr Jane Richardson
Archaeological Services WYAS
PO Box 30
Nepshaw Lane South
Morley
Leeds
LS27 0UG
0113 3837509
