The faunal assemblages and taphonomic signatures of five striped hyaena (hyaena hyaena syriaca) dens in the desert of eastern Jordan

Three of the four extant species of hyaena are well known collectors of faunal remains. It is the make up of these assemblages and the taphonomic signatures that are of interest to palaeoanthropologists, archaeologists and zoologists. The faunal assemblages of five extant dens in three regions of eastern Jordan are reported here. Data recorded from 3,755 bones and bone fragments collected include species scavenged, skeletal element representation and the taphonomic signatures left upon the faunal remains. Of the 3,755 bones and bone fragments collected 24.5% were identifiable to species level and reflect the mammal populations currently inhabiting the region, such as camels (Camelus dromedarius) (35.2%), sheep/goats (Ovis/Capra) (13.3%), donkeys (Equus asinus) (9.9%), canids (9.2%) and combined wild fauna (3%, of which 1.6% are Gazella). Of the 3,755 specimens 34.5% show taphonomic signatures consistent with carnivore activity with 62.5% of these indicative of hyaena gnawing behaviour (i.e. punctate depressions and crenulated edges). Previous criteria to determine hyaena as an accumulating agent will also be re-evaluated.