A large mammal assemblage during MIS 5c: Artazu VII (Arrasate, northern Iberian Peninsula)

Abstract

Artazu VII palaeontological site (Arrasate, Gipuzkoa) is one of the few deposits in the Iberian Peninsula in which humans did not intervene in its formation as the site acted as a natural trap. The vertebrate remains recovered are in a very good state of preservation and display great biodiversity. The large mammal assemblage from Artazu VII is studied in detail in this paper. Fourteen different species are described, including ungulates and carnivores. Morphological and osteometric descriptions are also provided, as well as a morphological study of chamois and leopard compared with the same species of similar chronology both in the surroundings of the site and in the rest of the Iberian Peninsula. The existence of biases related to the form of the shaft is tested, as these might relativize the value of the remains as a representative proxy of the fauna in the early Late Pleistocene in the Iberian Peninsula. The palaeoecology inferred from this association indicates the existence of a woodland mass alternating with meadow biotope, and with a watercourse in the surrounding area.

Keywords:

• Carnivores
• ungulates
• osteometry
• palaeoenvironment
• early Late Pleistocene
• Iberian Peninsula

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to Kobate Quarry for their interest and assistance offered during the excavation and to Peter Smith for reviewing English.