Abstract
The following paper presents the results of a Species Distribution Model (SDM) for grassland hunter-gatherer archaeology sites in the southern Pampas region of Argentina. The goal of this exploratory model is to provide a complementary survey model for the detection of archaeological sites in this region, which will also help characterize and discuss site locations and regional distribution patterns of hunter-gatherer occupations. Even in this largely homogenous and highly dynamic landscape, SDMs can help guide archaeological surveys by identifying some environmental variables affecting hunter-gatherer decisions, and can provide insights into mobility and archaeological settlement patterns. Among the available tools for SDM, Maximum Entropy Modeling (Maxent) is one of the most widely used approaches in archaeological predictive modelling. After controlling for bias and adjustment of several modifiable parameters, the Maxent software provided a potentially effective predictive model to direct future archaeological survey and heritage management projects. The results of this research suggest that watercourses and slope were the key environmental factors influencing the distribution of hunter-gatherer archaeological sites in the southern Pampas region.
Highlights
Species Distribution Modeling (SDM) is used to derive spatially explicit predictions of environmental suitability for a species
This range shows some possible clusters in the southern sector. These clusters have been interpreted by some researchers as a result of huntergatherer decisions based on geographic features and resource availability (Mazzanti & Bonnat 2013; Politis et al 2004); while others suggest geological bias created by a greater preservation of archaeological materials in caves and rock shelters (Martínez et al 2015)
The results show that the key environmental factors influencing the habitat distribution of hunter-gatherer archaeological sites in this region are watercourses; classified grid cells which are close or less than 40 meters from this variable
Summary
Species Distribution Modeling (SDM) is used to derive spatially explicit predictions of environmental suitability for a species (plant or animal). Among the available tools for SDM, Maximum Entropy Modeling (Maxent) is one of the most widely used approaches in ecology for predicting habitat suitability from presence-only records (Phillips, Dudík & Schapire 2021). This method involves using a collection of known species locations as sample data, along with relevant environmental factors to model the distribution of that species within a known geographical extent (Phillips, Dudík & Schapire 2021). The Maxent modeling provides an initial platform that is flexible and can be run anytime there is additional input data, such as new archaeology site locations or refined environmental layers
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
