The mid holocene occupation of the Pearl Islands: A case of unusual insular adaptations on the Pacific Coast of Panama

A survey of the Pearl Island archipelago discovered a Preceramic shell-bearing midden on island Pedro González located in Panama Bay eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. This occupation dates between ca. 6200 and 5600 cal yr BP, revealed mixed marine terrestrial economy including exploitation sea turtles, snakes, iguanas, dolphins, land mammals such as dwarf deer. Test excavations 2007–2010 provided well-preserved invertebrate vertebrate samples, which were considerably more diverse taxonomically for fish than other categories. At that time, only boa among large snake sample was identified to species. 7 × 4 m pit dug 2015 increased faunal but added little diversity. Development ophidian comparative collection, augmented by on-line research, enhanced diversity highlighted dietary importance snakes. Two turtle species – hawksbill green– remain ones exploited. Improvements stratigraphic sectioning have fine-tuned chronological fluctuations populations case green iguana mammals. Birds experienced greatest increase diversity, not much expected basis present-day avifauna. Only two mammal genera squirrel, rabbit inventory inferred during 2007–2010, comprised deer, opossum, monkey, agouti, paca, spiny rat, furry probable capybara. The occupants took advantage abundant agate nodules eroding from island's volcanic bedrock. latest study reveals presence substantial microlithic component relied specialized heat treatment whole lithic raw materials. As an idea be explored further, we suggest these microliths may been produced women manufacture maintenance composite cutting and/or grating tools used preparation various foods. Ongoing analyses are providing new information impact early colonists local fauna demonstrated how physical properties materials influenced their reduction strategies.