Abstract: New Pygmy Mammoth (Mammuthus exilis) Localities and Radiocarbon Dates from San Miguel, Santa Rosa, and Santa Cruz Islands, California

AGENBROAD, LARRY D., Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ

The 1994 discovery and excavation of the most complete pygmy mammoth (M. exilis) skeleton yet recovered prompted additional research of the islands. An intensive, pedestrian survey of mammoth localities tied to GPS coordinates, was initiated for the first time in the history of the island mammoth research. Although not yet completed, the survey has resulted in the discovery and documentation of more than 100 new localities.

Several mainland-size mammoth (M. columbi) elements were recovered. These may represent: (1) ancestral animals; (2) contemporary animals; or (3) late migrant animals. Dental and osteological metric analyses are in-progress. These data will allow comparisons and contrasts to mainland M.columbi populations.

Six new radiocarbon dates from San Miguel and Santa Rosa islands have been added to the eleven published dates for mammoth and mammoth-associated material. These dates include an AMS bone collagen date of 12,840 + 410 yr B.P. (CAMS 24429) derived from the right femur of the 1994 skeleton.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90935©1998 AAPG Pacific Section Meeting, Ventura, California