Chelonians from the Middle Palaeolithic Site of Mealhada (Coimbra, Portugal): An Update

The results of a review the chelonian remains retrieved in excavations carried out Mealhada (Coimbra, central Portugal) are presented here. is Portuguese Middle Palaeolithic classical site, discovered at end 19th century, and chronologically ascribed to interglacial Riss-Würm (ca. 120 ka BP). This study has allowed identification, justification, figuration attributed three Iberian taxa, Testudinidae indet., Mauremys leprosa, Emys orbicularis, last one being recognized for first time this site. Thus, an update on data concerning record from been achieved, offering new justified taxonomic evidence regarding taxa distribution during Upper Pleistocene. Furthermore, consumption amongst pre-Upper hunter-gatherer groups documented worldwide. Frequently locally captured resource, archaeological turtle offer relevant information role that small prey played hominid nutritional choices. potential presence anthropic alterations (e.g., cutmarks) some here analysed human hypothesis assessed.