Les micromammifères du Pléistocène et leurs prédateurs. Grotte de Wonderwerk, Afrique du Sud

Abstract

Wonderwerk Cave has produced exceptionally large micromammalian samples that provides a range of information pertaining to taphonomy, and prey-predator ecology, which will improve the precision of environmental interpretation. Here, we examine these aspects for mid-Pleistocene strata 12 and 11, and conclude from the taphonomic evidence that the main predator responsible for the small mammal assemblages in the two lower-most strata at the site, was a category 1 predator, likely the barn owl Tyto alba. There is some slight influence of another predator in stratum 12 but this evidence is insufficient to significantly modify the taphonomic indication from the major predator. Differential horizontal and vertical distribution of prey skeletal remains within these strata indicates that there could have been two main roost areas, and that the predators occupied the cave seasonally, more intensively at times of good food availability under relatively benign conditions, and more ephemerally during harsher times. At present, this line of evidence does not provide any indication of the duration and nature of either conditions. Indications of exposure to fire have been distinguished in the microfaunal remains, with bones exhibiting calcination as well as being restricted spatially. None of these traits apparently fit with natural fires. Further modern comparative work will be required to develop a better understanding of those aspects related to fire.