Abstract
The abundant faunal remains from the Takarkori rock shelter in the Tadrart Acacus region of southwestern Libya are described. The material that covers the period between 10,200 to 4650 years cal BP illustrates the more humid environmental conditions in the Central Sahara during early and middle Holocene times. Particular attention is focussed on the aquatic fauna that shows marked diachronic changes related to increasing aridification. This is reflected in the decreasing amount of fish remains compared to mammals and, within the fish fauna, by changes through time in the proportion of the species and by a reduction of fish size. The aquatic fauna can, in addition, be used to formulate hypotheses about the former palaeohydrographical network. This is done by considering the possible location of pre-Holocene relic populations combined with observations on the topography and palaeohydrological settings of the Central Sahara.
Highlights
The late Quaternary palaeoecological reconstruction in desert environments is often limited by a number of factors including the lack of continuous and well-preserved archives for proxy data
In the paragraphs below we describe the species that were found with a special focus on the ones that are of relevance for the reconstruction of the aquatic environment and the palaeohydrography during the early and middle Holocene
Jubb [108] underlines that there is no evidence for the dispersal of fish by birds or other animals. He mentions the ichthyofaunas above and below a waterfall on the river Lundi in Zimbabwe that remain different despite the fact that numerous bird taxa occur that could theoretically spread fish from one part of the river to the other. The remains of both terrestrial and aquatic animals retrieved during the excavation of the Takarkori rock shelter illustrate the more humid climatic conditions in Saharan southwestern Libya during early and middle Holocene times
Summary
The late Quaternary palaeoecological reconstruction in desert environments is often limited by a number of factors including the lack of continuous and well-preserved archives for proxy data. The present-day, strong erosion removes sediments and destroys open air palaeontological assemblages, limiting the comprehension of past ecological settings. Late Pleistocene and Holocene archaeological caves and rock shelters offer the opportunity to investigate–besides cultural aspects–well-dated archives preserving information on the composition of past faunal and plant communities. Archaeozoology of desert sheltered sites is a precious tool to reconstruct late Quaternary ecological changes especially when aquatic species are considered, providing information on climatic and environmental changes.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
