ISOTOPIC INVESTIGATION OF AN AUSTRALIAN ISLAND ENVIRONMENT

Collagen has been extracted from fossil bones of megafauna herbivores from Kangaroo Island, South Australia (Australia). Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analyses of collagen have provided an insight into the palaeoecology of these late Pleistocene herbivores. In comparison wit h continental fossil localities in South Australia, the island herbivo res have elevated nitrogen isotopic abundances. Carbon isotopic abunda nces suggest that browsing species had a mixed diet of grasses and lea ves on the island, in contrast to the specimens from mainland Australi a. Possible causes regarding elevated nitrogen isotope abundances and dietary shifts in this palaeoecology are discussed.