Paleoclimatic and paleoenvironmental reconstructions based on the small vertebrates from the Middle Paleolithic of Hohle Fels Cave, SW Germany

Abstract In this paper, we analyse the fish and small mammal assemblages from Middle Paleolithic horizons of Hohle Fels Cave to reconstruct paleoclimatic paleoenvironmental conditions faced by Neanderthal groups who occupied site. The assemblage indicates that freshwater ecosystem around site was characterized a pre-mountain river system with presence permanent, oxygen-rich, cold running waters. results Habitat Weighting Method Bioclimatic Model applied assemblage, coupled new dates obtained for Archaeological Horizon (AH) IX, allow us identify two different climatic phases. One phase (AH X-XII) is more temperate possibly corresponding end Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5; other VI-IX) colder arid MIS 4 through beginning 3. Open environments relatively stable forest component dominated landscape during part Paleolithic. These phases appear correspond levels occupational intensity Neanderthals, higher mild periods lower cold, periods. Our reconstruction recent absolute dating, together recovery complete leaf point near top AH X, have important implications cultural stratigraphy chronology region. Archaeologist traditionally viewed points as key artefacts Blattspitzengruppe , complex attributed Paleolithic; however, stratigraphic, climatic, chronological context need revise interpretation.