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Dryad

Data from: Anthropogenic extinction dominates Holocene declines of West Indian mammals

Cite this dataset

Cooke, Siobhán B. et al. (2017). Data from: Anthropogenic extinction dominates Holocene declines of West Indian mammals [Dataset]. Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.tj4p5

Abstract

The extensive postglacial mammal losses in the West Indies provide an opportunity to evaluate extinction dynamics, but limited data have hindered our ability to test hypotheses. Here, we analyze the tempo and dynamics of extinction using a novel data set of faunal last-appearance dates and human first-appearance dates, demonstrating widespread overlap between humans and now-extinct native mammals. Humans arrived in four waves (Lithic, Archaic, Ceramic, and European), each associated with increased environmental impact. Large-bodied mammals and several bats were extinct by the Archaic, following protracted extinction dynamics perhaps reflecting habitat loss. Most small-bodied rodents and lipotyphlan insectivores survived the Ceramic, but extensive landscape transformation and the introduction of invasive mammals following European colonization caused further extinctions, leaving a threatened remnant fauna. Both large- and small-bodied nonvolant mammals disappeared, reflecting complex relationships between body size, ecology, and anthropogenic change. Extinct bats were generally larger species, paralleling declines from natural catastrophes.

Usage notes

Funding

National Science Foundation, Award: DEB-1442142

Location

Virgin Islands
West Indies
Greater Antilles
Lesser Antilles
Caribbean
Neotropics
Bahamas