Late Pleistocene small mammals (Chiroptera, Rodentia, Lagomorpha) from Agios Georgios Cave (Kilkis, Central Macedonia, Greece)

Abstract

The Late Pleistocene small mammal fauna from Agios Georgios Cave (Kilkis, Central Macedonia, Greece) is examined, resulting in the identification of 14 species of Chiroptera, Rodentia and Lagomorpha. The palaeoenvironment of the area around the cave seems to have been a relatively arid, steppe-like plain with sparsely-wooded patches. There was also a permanent or temporary water body near the cave. The palaeoclimate of the region was colder than today, but rather warm compared to more northern parts of Europe, which were strongly affected by the Last Glacial Maximum.