Prehistoric pig and dog remains from Fais Island, Micronesia

Abstract

Pig and dog remains excavated from Fais Island in Micronesia were examined. The temporal distribution pattern of the excavated bones indicates that pigs and dogs have been kept on the island since at least 450 AD and possibly since around 220 AD. Both adult pigs and dogs were small in size. The majority of the excavated specimens were young or even juvenile. It is not clear if these animals were kept on Fais Island regularly or introduced from time to time. The possible source areas of pigs and/or dogs are the Philippines, Indonesia and northern Melanesia. The eastern Caroline Islands are another potential source area for the dogs.