The lynxes (Lynx pardinus/spelaeus, Lynx lynx) from the Middle Pleistocene to the Holocene in southern France : a paleontological and taphonomical overview.

Paleontological data on lynx are relatively scarce in Pleistocene sites. However, in southern France and Monaco, samples from caves of Escale (NISP= 435; MNI= 15), Observatoire (NISP= 103; MNI= 9), Campefiel (NISP= 1532; MNI= 26) and Lunel-Viel (NISP= 37; MNI= 5) are some among the most important fossil series. Our paleontological revision indicates the presence of the cave lynx (here named Lynx pardinus spelaeus) considered as the Pleistocene form of the modern Iberian lynx. Taphonomic analysis suggest either a natural occupation of the caves by this species or caused of natural trapping. The French geo-chronological distribution of lynxes (Lynx pardinus/spelaeus and Lynx lynx) is also provided.