La grande faune associée aux derniers Néandertaliens de Zafarraya (Andalousie, Espagne) : systématique et essai d'interprétation

Abstract

The large Mammal fauna associated with the late Neanderthals of Zafarraya is rather peculiar. The ibex largely predominates over other ungulates, among which we may notice E. hydruntinus, rare in Spain, and the chamois, not previously reported from such a southern latitude. Among carnivores, of which the panther is the most common species, the cave hear, and more surprisingly the wolf, replaced by the dhole, are both missing. Both sexes and all age classes are present in the ibex assemblage. The analysis of the spatial distribution of ibex and carnivore anatomical elements show that human involvement in bone accumulation was greater around 32 000 BP, but the role of carnivores increased afterwards, around 30 000 BP. The cave may have been used as a temporary hunting camp.