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In this paper, the current state of knowledge of the taphonomic characteristics of micromammal (rodents and marsupials) remains generated by the action of the different predators (avian raptors and carnivore mammals) of South America (particularly of Argentina), known through actualistic studies, is reviewed. The analyzed taphonomic attributes enabled the adjustment, by means of extensive comparisons among different groups of predators and prey, of the modification categories indicated in the original papers. The data herein revised and assessed suggest that the evaluated South American predators may be grouped into four categories of modification: a) Light (Tyto alba, Bubo virginianus, Strix chacoensis and Asio flammeus); b) Moderate (Athene cunicularia, Geranoaetus melanoleucus, Geranoaetus polyosoma and Pseudoscops clamator); c) Heavy (Circus buffoni, Caracara plancus, Elanus leucurus, Didelphis albiventris, Leopardus geoffroyi and Lontra longicaudis); d) Extreme (Milvago chimango, Puma concolor, Puma yagouaroundi, Conepatus chinga and Lycalopex griseus). Finally, the research herein discussed evaluates how these studies were applied in the fossil record of both palaeontological and archaeological sites of South America., En este trabajo se valora el estado actual del conocimiento de las características tafonómicas de los restos de micromamíferos (roedores y marsupiales) generados por la acción de los diferentes depredadores (aves rapaces y mamíferos carnívoros) de América del Sur (particularmente de Argentina), a través de la revisión de los estudios actualísticos. Los atributos tafonómicos analizados permitieron ajustar, a través de comparaciones extensas entre los diferentes grupos de depredadores y presas, las categorías de modificación indicadas en los artículos originales. La información revisada sugiere que los depredadores de América del Sur evaluados pueden agruparse en cuatro categorías de modificación: a) Ligera (Tyto alba, Bubo virginianus, Strix chacoensis y Asio flammeus); b) Moderada (Athene cunicularia, Geranoaetus melanoleucus, Geranoaetus polyosoma y Pseudoscops clamator); c) Fuerte (Circus buffoni, Caracara plancus, Elanus leucurus, Didelphis albiventris, Leopardus geoffroyi y Lontra longicaudis); d) Extrema (Milvago chimango, Puma concolor, Puma yagouaroundi, Conepatus chinga y Lycalopex griseus). Finalmente, se evalúa cómo estos estudios se aplicaron al registro zooarqueológico y paleontológico de América del Sur., Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo

The Abrigo de la Quebrada rock shelter was occupied by Neanderthal groups during the early Upper Pleistocene, yielding evidence for their subsistence practices and local resource exploitation. This paper focuses on the plant macroremains and the micromammals, which provide information about occupation patterns, the surrounding landscape, the use of resources, and the environment. Mountain pine forests and permanent grass formations containing humid zones and open spaces that would have harboured an eurythermal microfauna were the dominant landscape type. Cold-climate pines provided most of the firewood. The data are consistent with a recurrent, seasonal occupation pattern, in which the rock shelter was used for short periods in the context of an annual round characterized by a high degree of mobility.

Small sized felids, such as wild and domestic cats, are one of the most common predators in the nature and in sites occupied by humans in archaeological and historical contexts. Wildcats have ingestion/ digestion traits highly destructive for their prey, i.e.: teeth to chew causing extreme breakage, and digestion along the entire digestive tract with low pH gastric juices causing extreme bone corrosion. Small sized cats are also well known to play with the prey and select skeletal parts to ingest. The present study is focused on the taphonomic analysis of micromammal remains recovered from scats produced by European wildcats (Felis silvestris silvestris) during several months and years. Excrements were collected from the Montes do Invernadeiro Natural Park (Galicia, Spain). Following the taphonomic methodological protocols, anatomical representation, bone breakage and degrees of digestive corrosion were evaluated. Results obtained from the skeletal representation indicate a high abundance of cranial skeleton and a high fracture pattern. Most dental elements show digestion, reaching extreme grades of corrosion, but the proportions of micromammal prey elements affected varies between taxonomic groups. The large sample size collected during 2 years, including different seasons, show no differences in either taxonomic composition or degree of digestion between the four seasons. The scat contents provide a basic and general pattern of alterations caused by carnivorous mammals on the bony elements of their prey. Some differences between felid predator species have also been observed, thus pointing out the necessity of more actualistic taphonomic analysis that will allow us to obtain a more accurate indication of modifications produced by small carnivorous mammals and specific differences., Fieldwork and sample collection has been funded by the research project USEK, nº-7-2004-05 of the SEK University of Segovia, Spain and the project. The taphonomic study was financed by the CGL2016-79334-P of the Spanish Ministry of Research.

Results of a 8-year-long monitoring study of micromammals in the "Holy Mountains" National Nature Park are presented. Data accumulated from 2006 to 2014 within 3 monitoring plots were analized. In sum, during 20 672 trap-days 1111 specimens were collected. Studies mainly concerned the most typical biotopes of the park, namely pine and oak forests. The composition and structure of the micromammal community within the studied area are described. There were 14 micromammal species recorded in NNP “Holy Mountains.” The yellow-necked wood mouse is a dominant species, while the wood mouse and the bank vole are subdominants. The obtained data were analyzed by using the Shannon and Simpson indexes. It was shown that the biodiversity indexes change as a result not only fluctuations in the number of micromammals, but also the anthropogenic transformation of habitats. The lowest values of diversity indexes are in biotopes with the highest abundance of rodents.

In the Late Pleistocene site of El Sidrón cave, with a date of ~ 49,000 ky, known for its numerous fossil remains of Neanderthals, some remains of micromammals were found, whose detailed study is carried out in this work. The determined faunal association is the following: Sorex araneus–Sorex coronatus, Neomys cf. fodiens, Talpa sp., Rhinolophus euryale-Rhinolophus mehelyi, Marmota cf. marmota, Eliomys quercinus, Glis glis, Arvicola terrestris, Chionomys nivalis, Microtus arvalis-Microtus agrestis, Microtus lusitanicus, Microtus oeconomus, Clethrionomys glareolus, Apodemus sylvaticus-Apodemus flavicollis and Oryctolagus cuniculus. These taxa are present in the current fauna of Asturias and Cantabrian Region except for Microtus oeconomus that disappeared from the Iberian Peninsula in historical times and is currently in northernmost Eurasian regions. The fauna of micromammals as a whole seems to indicate a predominantly open space environment, generally of certain moisture meadows and vegetation development at ground level, although there would also be wooded areas of some entity and some watercourse. The presence, although with few remains, of some thermophilic species, and the absence of cold climate indicator species, seem to indicate that the climate during the formation of the fossiliferous deposits would be relatively temperate and humid, probably similar to the current one in the area. En el yacimiento del Pleistoceno Superior de la cueva de El Sidrón, con una datación de ~49.000 ka, conocido por sus numerosos restos fósiles de neandertales, se han recuperado restos de micromamíferos cuyo estudio detallado se realiza en este trabajo. La asociación determinada es la siguiente: Sorex araneus–Sorex coronatus, Neomys cf. fodiens, Talpa sp., Rhinolophus euryale-Rhinolophus mehelyi, Marmota cf. marmota, Eliomys quercinus, Glis glis, Arvicola terrestris, Chionomys nivalis, Microtus arvalis-Microtus agrestis, Microtus lusitanicus, Microtus oeconomus, Clethrionomys glareolus, Apodemus sylvaticus-Apodemus flavicollis y Oryctolagus cuniculus. Estos taxones están presentes en la fauna actual de Asturias y de la región cantábrica excepto Microtus oeconomus que desapareció de la península ibérica en tiempos históricos y actualmente está en regiones euroasiáticas más septentrionales. La fauna de micromamíferos en conjunto parece indicar un medio predominantemente de espacios abiertos, generalmente de praderas de cierta humedad y desarrollo de la vegetación a nivel del suelo, aunque también habría zonas boscosas o arboladas de cierta entidad y algún curso de agua. La presencia, aunque con pocos restos, de algunas especies termófilas, y la ausencia de especies indicadores de clima frío, parecen indicar que el clima durante la formación de los depósitos fosilíferos del yacimiento sería relativamente templado y húmedo, probablemente similar al actual de la zona.

The micromammals remains from the Late Pleistocene site of the cave of El Castillo studied here in detail, came from the Aurignacian levels 18b and 18c (dated in 40.000-45.000 BP), level 19, and the Musterian levels 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e (dated in 41.000-49.000 BP), 21a and 21b. The micromammal association is the following: Erinaceus europaeus, Crocidura russula, Sorex coronatus, Sorex minutus, Neomys fodiens, Talpa europaea, Galemys pyrenaicus, cf. Miniopterus schreibersii, Chiroptera indet., Pliomys lenki, Microtus arvalis – Microtus agrestis, Microtus lusitanicus, Microtus oeconomus, Chionomys nivalis, Arvicola terrestris, Apodemus sylvaticus – Apodemus flavicollis and Lepus sp. Most of these species are in the present fauna of Cantabria, except Pliomys lenki that got extinct in the last third of the Upper Pleistocene, and Microtus oeconomus that disappeared from the Iberian Peninsula during the Holocene, in historical times, and is nowadays present in northern Euroasiatic regions. There is a great continuity of most of the taxa in all the levels. The faunal association seems to indicate a mainly open environment, in general with wet meadows (and few dry meadows), with good vegetation cover in the soil, with perhaps also some tree-covered areas, and some watercourses. The thermophiles indicators are very scarce, which could indicate that the climate could be a lesser temperate than other Upper Pleistocene periods and the present-day climate in the area. El material de micromamíferos del yacimiento del Pleistoceno Superior de la cueva de El Castillo, objeto de estudio detallado en este trabajo, proviene de los niveles auriñacienses 18b y 18c (datados en 40.000-45.000 BP), nivel 19, y niveles musterienses 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e (datados en 41.000-49.000 BP), 21a y 21b. La asociación de micromamíferos es la siguiente: Erinaceus europaeus, Crocidura russula, Sorex coronatus, Sorex minutus, Neomys fodiens, Talpa europaea, Galemys pyrenaicus, cf. Miniopterus schreibersii, Chiroptera indet., Pliomys lenki, Microtus arvalis – Microtus agrestis, Microtus lusitanicus, Microtus oeconomus, Chionomys nivalis, Arvicola terrestris, Apodemus sylvaticus – Apodemus flavicollis y Lepus sp. La mayoría de estas especies están presentes en la fauna actual de Cantabria, excepto Pliomys lenki que se extinguió en el último tercio del Pleistoceno Superior, y Microtus oeconomus, que persistió en la península ibérica durante el Holoceno bien avanzado hasta su desaparición en tiempos históricos, y que actualmente está en regiones euroasiáticas más septentrionales. Hay una gran continuidad de la gran mayoría de los taxones en todos los niveles. La fauna en su conjunto parece indicar un medio predominantemente abierto, por lo general de praderas húmedas (y en mucha menor medida praderas secas) con una buena cobertura vegetal a nivel del suelo, en el que habría también algunas zonas arboladas o boscosas, y algún curso de agua. Los indicadores termófilos son escasos y poco abundantes, lo que podría indicar que el clima podría ser algo menos templado que en otros periodos del Pleistoceno Superior y quizás también que actualmente en la zona.

Türkiye kıtalararası kavşak konumu nedeniyle çok zengin memeli fosil yataklarına sahiptir. Memeli fosilleri, memeli filojenezine yönelik evrimsel çalışmaların yanı sıra, karasal Tersiyer çökellerinin kıtaiçi ve kıtalararası korelasyonuna, faunal göç öyküsünün anlaşılmasına ve bölgelerin tektonik evriminin aydınlatılmasına katkı sağlamaktadır. Mikromemeli fosil bulguları, biyostratigrafik, paleocoğrafik ve paleoekolojik problemlerinin çözümünde kullanılan en önemli verilerdir. Mikromemeli göç öyküsü içerisinde Erken Miyosen ayrı bir öneme sahiptir. Bu, aynı zamanda Arap plakasının kuzeye doğru devinimi sonucunda, Afrika ve Anadolu arasında oluşan kara köprüsü dönemine rastlamaktadır. Erken Miyosen'in sonlarına doğru her iki kıta arasında oluşan bu kara bağlantısı ile başta Avrupa olmak üzere Afrika ve Asya faunaları arasında yaşanan göçler ve/veya yokoluşlar ile tüm kıta faunalarında yeniden bir yapılanma sürecinin yaşanmasına neden olmuştur. Anadolu'da meydana gelen bu değişimlerin geniş ölçekte faunal göçlere ne ölçüde etki ettiği tam anlamıyla açıklığa kavuşmamıştır. Bu tez çalışmasının amacı, tüm bu paleocoğrafik değişimlerin odağında yer alan Anadolu Erken Miyosen mikromemeli fosil lokalitelerini ortaya koymak, yeni lokaliteler bulmak, Erken Miyosen paleocoğrafyası ve paleoekolojisini aydınlatmaktır. Önceki çalışmalardan bilinen Ankara (Keseköy, Şemsettin,Gökler, Kılçak 0, Kılçak 0", Kılçak 3A ve Kılçak 3B), Çorum (Kargı 2 ve Kargı 3), Aydın (Söke ve Dededağ), İçel (Yapıntı), İzmir (Akçaşehir, Dereköy), Konya (Harami 1, Harami 2 ve Harami 3) ve Manisa (Sabuncubeli, Kınık, Harta, Bozalan, Beydere 1 ve Beydere 2,) lokalitelerinin paleontolojik, paleokolojik ve paleocoğrafik olarak karşılaştırılmasının yapılması, yeni bulgu yerleri olan İzmir (Çapak ve Bornova), Manisa (Gördes), Konya (Harami 4 ve Harami 5) lokaliteleri hakkında öncel bilgiler ve Bornova lokalitesine ait Muridae örneklerinin ayrıntılı taksonomik çalışmasını içerir. Erken Miyosen boyunca Türkiye'deki faunal değişim ve mikromemeli faunalarının stratigrafik dağılımları kendi çalışmalarımız ve literatürden elde edilen verileri kullanılarak paleobiyocoğrafik ve paleoekolojik açıdan tartışılmıştır., The rich fossil deposits of Turkey are of great interest, because of their location on intercontinental crossroads. Micromammalian fossils especially provide important data for stratigraphic, palaeogeographic and paleoecological purposes. Mammalian fossils contribute for the evolutionary work on mammalian phylogeny, to the intercontinental and intracontinental correlation of terrestrial Tertiary sediments, to the understanding of faunal migration, to the construction of biochronology, to understand palaeogeography and even to reconstruct the tectonic evolution of regions. For all these reasons, understanding of the fossil finds of mammals of Anatolia is of great importance. With respect to faunal migrations, the early Miocene epoch is of particular importance. This period also sees the union of Anatolia and Africa through a land bridge, which is the result of the northward movement of Arabian plate. This land connection between the two regions towards the end of the early Miocene has led to faunal exchange between the various continental faunas, with migrations and extinctions in the fauna of Africa and Asia, as is especially well documented in Europe. How the changes that took place in Anatolia affected the faunal movements and changes on a large scale is yet poorly understood. The subject of this thesis is the palaeontological, palaeoecological and palaeogeographical correlation of the micromammal fossils in localities from Ankara (Kılçak, Keseköy, Şemsettin and Gökler), Çorum (Kargı), Aydın (Söke and Dededağ), İçel (Yapıntı), İzmir (Bornova, Akçaşehir, Çapak, Dereköy), Konya (Harami) and Manisa (Sabuncubeli, Kınık, Beydere, Harta, Bozalan, Gördes) with a detailed taxonomic study of the Bornova Muridae specimens. Using both our own studies and data from literature, we discuss the stratigraphic distribution, palaeobiogeographic and palaeoecological implications of the general micromammalian fauna during this vital period in the faunal history of Turkey.

© 2018 CSIC., [EN]In the Late Pleistocene site of El Sidrón cave, with a date of ~ 49,000 ky, known for its numerous fossil remains of Neanderthals, some remains of micromammals were found, whose detailed study is carried out in this work. The determined faunal association is the following: Sorex araneus-Sorex coronatus, Neomys cf. fodiens, Talpa sp., Rhinolophus euryale-Rhinolophus mehelyi, Marmota cf. marmota, Eliomys quercinus, Glis glis, Arvicola terrestris, Chionomys nivalis, Microtus arvalis-Microtus agrestis, Microtus lusitanicus, Microtus oeconomus, Clethrionomys glareolus, Apodemus sylvaticus-Apodemus flavicollis and Oryctolagus cuniculus. These taxa are present in the current fauna of Asturias and Cantabrian Region except for Microtus oeconomus that disappeared from the Iberian Peninsula in historical times and is currently in northernmost Eurasian regions. The fauna of micromammals as a whole seems to indicate a predominantly open space environment, generally of certain moisture meadows and vegetation development at ground level, although there would also be wooded areas of some entity and some watercourse. The presence, although with few remains, of some thermophilic species, and the absence of cold climate indicator species, seem to indicate that the climate during the formation of the fossiliferous deposits would be relatively temperate and humid, probably similar to the current one in the area., [ES]: En el yacimiento del Pleistoceno Superior de la cueva de El Sidrón, con una datación de ~49.000 ka, conocido por sus numerosos restos fósiles de neandertales, se han recuperado restos de micromamíferos cuyo estudio detallado se realiza en este trabajo. La asociación determinada es la siguiente: Sorex araneus–Sorex coronatus, Neomys cf. fodiens, Talpa sp., Rhinolophus euryale-Rhinolophus mehelyi, Marmota cf. marmota, Eliomys quercinus, Glis glis, Arvicola terrestris, Chionomys nivalis, Microtus arvalis-Microtus agrestis, Microtus lusitanicus, Microtus oeconomus, Clethrionomys glareolus, Apodemus sylvaticus-Apodemus flavicollis y Oryctolagus cuniculus. Estos taxones están presentes en la fauna actual de Asturias y de la región cantábrica excepto Microtus oeconomus que desapareció de la península ibérica en tiempos históricos y actualmente está en regiones euroasiáticas más septentrionales. La fauna de micromamíferos en conjunto parece indicar un medio predominantemente de espacios abiertos, generalmente de praderas de cierta humedad y desarrollo de la vegetación a nivel del suelo, aunque también habría zonas boscosas o arboladas de cierta entidad y algún curso de agua. La presencia, aunque con pocos restos, de algunas especies termófilas, y la ausencia de especies indicadores de clima frío, parecen indicar que el clima durante la formación de los depósitos fosilíferos del yacimiento sería relativamente templado y húmedo, probablemente similar al actual de la zona., Este trabajo se ha realizado en el marco del Convenio Consejería de Cultura del Principado de Asturias/Universidad de Oviedo (CN-00-184-D3, CN-01-132-133-134-B1, CN-04-152, CN-07-088, CN-08-085, CN-09-084, SV-PA-11-14), y dentro de este entre la Universidad de Oviedo y el MNCN-CSIC, la Universidad de Alicante y la Universidad de Salamanca.

Coulet des Roches is a natural karst trap in Southern France. Its infilling dates back to the end of the Pleniglacial (Last Glacial Maximum, LGM) and the end of the Tardiglacial (Last Glacial, LG). Three mustelid species have been identified in this infilling: the common polecat (Mustela putorius, minimum number of individuals (MNI) = 4), the stoat (Mustela erminea, MNI = 14) and the weasel (Mustela nivalis, MNI = 48). The common polecat remains are metrically and morphologically indistinguishable from recent European specimens. The smallest mustelids are mainly represented by average-sized specimens, which are slightly smaller than extant species. A partial weasel skeleton of an extremely small pygmy weasel, regarded as a typical glacial element, was also discovered. Sexual dimorphism is strongly pronounced. Seventeen horses have been identified, corresponding to the chrono subspecies Equus ferus gallicus. The analysis of the muzzles and metapodials shows overall adaptation to cool and dry weather conditions. The ibexes are typical of Capra ibex (MNI = 15). The p3 morphology is similar to the LGM populations located on the southern side of the Durance River, with an important dilation of the metaconid, except for the oldest LGM specimen. This dilation is older on the southern side of the Durance River, as it occurs at the end of MIS 3. This difference could reflect the barrier role of the Durance River. Micromammals are abundant (mostly related to rodents and shrews; 18 genera/species; MNI = 470). The paleoecological study highlighted important and rapid climatic and environmental fluctuations throughout the sequence. As a result of climatic fluctuations, the plains constituted a corridor for the migration of temperate species to Provence during cold periods (“southern refuge zone”) and their re-immigration to Western Europe during temperate episodes. In a related and complementary way, the highland areas not only played a natural role as a geographical barrier, but also constituted a refuge zone during interglacial episodes for some micromammal species originating from northern and eastern parts of Europe (“cryptic southern refugia”).

[Resumen] Se ha estudiado la alimentación de la lechuza común (Tyto alba) en 11 localidades gallegas mediante el análisis de 283 egagrópilas, de las que se obtuvo un total de 1843 presas. Los grupos de presas más consumidos fueron los roedores (orden Rodentia) y los insectívoros (orden Soricomorpha), y dentro de estos, las especies de presas más frecuentes fueron el ratón de campo (Apodemus sylvaticus) y el topillo lusitano (Microtus lusitanicus), ambos roedores, y la musaraña gris (Crocidura russula), del grupo de los insectívoros. Los resultados obtenidos fueron similares a los de otros autores que han estudiado la dieta de Tyto alba, tanto en Galicia como en el resto de la región Eurosiberiana. Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en las frecuencias de aparición de los grupos principales de presas (musarañas, topillos y ratones) entre la mayor parte de las localidades, así como entre la dieta estival e invernal en una de ellas. Estas diferencias probablemente se deban a la diversa disponibilidad de las presas asociadas a los distintos hábitats entre localidades y estaciones. [Resumo] Estudiouse a alimentación da curuxa común (Tyto alba) en 11 localidades galegas grazas á análise de 283 egagrópilas, das que se obtiveron un total de 1843 presas. Os grupos de presas máis consumidos foron os roedores (orde Rodentia) e os insectívoros (orde Soricomorpha), e dentro destes, as especies de presas máis frecuentes foron o rato de campo (Apodemus sylvaticus) e a corta dos prados (Microtus lusitanicus), ambos os dous roedores, e o furaño común (Crocidura russula), do grupo dos insectívoros. Os resultados obtidos foron semellantes aos doutros autores que estudaron a dieta de Tyto alba, tanto en Galicia como no resto da rexión Eurosiberiana. Encontráronse diferenzas estatisticamente significativas nas frecuencias de aparición dos grupos principais de presas (furaños, trilladeiras e ratos) entre a maior parte das localidades, e tamén entre a dieta estival e invernal nunha delas. Estas diferenzas probablemente sexan debidas á diversa dispoñibilidade das presas asociadas aos distintos hábitats entre as localidades e estacións. [Abstract] The diet of the Barn Owl (Tyto alba) has been studied in 11 Galician locations thanks to the analysis of 283 pellets, which provided 1843 preys. The main consumption groups were rodents (order Rodentia) and insectivores (order Soricomorpha), within those, the main frequent prey species were Wood Mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) and Lusitanian Pine Vole (Microtus lusitanicus), both rodents, and White-toothed Shrew (Crocidura russula), an insectivore. The obtained results were similar to other Tyto alba diet studies, both from Galicia and the rest of the Eurosiberian region. Statistically significant differences in the main prey groups’ appearance frequencies were found (shrews, voles and mice) between most locations, and also between the summer and winter diet in one of them. These differences are probably due to the diverse availability of the preys associated with the different habitats between localities and seasons. Traballo fin de grao (UDC.CIE). Bioloxía. Curso 2017/2018

The field of ancient DNA (aDNA) has recently been in a state of exponential growth, largely driven by the uptake of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) techniques. Much of this work has focused on the mammalian megafauna and ancient humans, with comparatively less studies looking at micromammal fauna, despite the potential of these species in testing evolutionary, environmental and taxonomic theories. Several factors make micromammal fauna ideally suited for aDNA extraction and sequencing. Micromammal subfossil assemblages often include the large number of individuals appropriate for population level analyses, and, furthermore, the assemblages are frequently found in cave sites where the constant temperature and sheltered environment provide favourable conditions for DNA preservation. This review looks at studies that include the use of aDNA in molecular analysis of micromammal fauna, in order to examine the wide array of questions that can be answered in the study of small mammals using new palaeogenetic techniques. This study highlights the bias in current aDNA studies and assesses the future use of aDNA as a tool for the study of micromammal fauna.

Paleoparasitology is the study of parasite remains from archaeological and paleontological sites. Raptor pellets can be used as source for paleoparasitological information in archaeological sites. However, this zooarchaeological material has been scarcely studied. Epullán Chica (ECh) is an archaeological site in northwestern Patagonia. This cave yielded remains from more than 2000 years before present. The aim of this paper was to study the parasite remains found in owl pellets from the archaeological site ECh, and to discuss the paleoparasitological findings in an archaeological context. Twenty two raptor pellets were examined for parasites. The pellets were whole processed by rehydration in a 0.5% water solution of trisodium phosphate, followed by homogenization, filtered and processed by spontaneous sedimentation. Eight out of 22 bird pellets examined were positive for parasites from reptiles and rodents. Representatives of 12 parasite taxa were recorded; nine of this parasitic species were reported for the first time from ancient samples from Patagonia. This is the first time that pellets give evidences of ancient reptile parasites from archaeological contexts. It is noteworthy that Late Holocene hunter-gatherers of the upper Limay River basin, could have been exposed to some of these zoonotic parasites. Future paleoparasitological studies on owl pellets may reflect even more the parasitological diversity of all micromammal and reptile species presents in ancient times. Fil: Beltrame, Maria Ornela. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Biología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Fernández, Fernando Julián. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Cienicas Naturales y Museo. Laboratorio de Anatomía Comparada; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Sardella, Norma Haydee. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Biología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina

Rodents (Mammalia, Rodentia) are a key mammalian group with a worldwide distribution. The relevance of rodents as hosts in parasitic life-cycles, also in those of zoonotic impact, has been fully recognized. Parasites have been found in ancient remains throughout the world. Paleoparasitology is the study of ancient parasites recovered from archaeological and paleontological sites and materials. This paper reviews the major research activities carried out in rodent paleoparasitology from South America, aiming to integrate data and generate prospects in this field of research. The presence of rodent parasites in ancient times can provide useful and valuable information, as rodent paleoparasitological data can be used from diverse point of views. Anthropologists, biologists, archaeologists, and paleontologists can use this data to reconstruct ancient events based on the parasite life cycles and on the biological requirements to maintain the transmission from host to host. Rodent paleoparasitology may provide a picture of the biodiversity of parasites in ancient times. Although rodent remains are generally present in ancient times, their recovery from archaeological and paleontological contexts is still exceptional. Fil: Beltrame, Maria Ornela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Biología; Argentina Fil: De Souza, Mônica Vieira. Fundación Oswaldo Cruz; Brasil Fil: Araújo, Adauto. Fundación Oswaldo Cruz; Brasil Fil: Sardella, Norma Haydee. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Biología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata; Argentina

Paleopathology in bones of very small mammals has rarely been studied. Different types of osseous lesions of mammals weighing under 0.2 kg, recovered from the Holocene strata of Cueva Tixi archaeological and paleontological site (Tandilia range, province of Buenos Aires, Argentina), are described and discussed in thisreport. Several types of trauma, entheseal changes, degenerative joint diseases, and probable osteomyelitis were identified. The lesions were chronic, indicating that the animals were able to survive a period of convalescence, although in many cases the decreased capacity for locomotion likely was significant. These pathological findings open research avenues for very small mammals that usually are not considered in archaeological disease studies. Fil: Luna, Leandro Hernan. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Saavedra 15. Instituto de las Culturas. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Instituto de las Culturas; Argentina Fil: Aranda, Claudia Marcela. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Odontología; Argentina Fil: Quintana, Carlos. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata; Argentina

[EN] Purpose: A new Iberian Konservat-Lagerstätte discovered in Tresjuncos (Cuenca, Spain) is described and interpreted based on geological and paleontological information. Methods: The samples were studied using conventional mineralogical (powder X-ray diffraction), petrographic (optical and scanning electron microscopy) and geochemical (X-ray energy-dispersive spectrometry) techniques. Results: Based upon geological context, stratigraphy, lithology, sedimentology and origin of the rocks, we describe and interpret the new fossil site as originated in a lacustrine environment. The micromammals found in the Tresjuncos 1 outcrop suggest that the main site is Turolian in age (uppermost Miocene), continental chronological unit MN13. The fossils are preserved in laminates comprising rhythmic, millimeterscale alternations of diatomites and calcareous diatomites. An analysis of the lake paleobiota includes amphibians, crustaceans, insects, plants, and diatoms. The diatoms are dominated by Cyclotella iris. The whole assemblage is indicative of a planktic community developed in somewhat alkaline waters. An extremely well preserved premetamorphic Pelobates (Pelobatidae) tadpole was discovered; it is remarkable because of its gigantic size. Its digestive tract predominantly contains the rare diatom Navicula halionata var directa, likely associated with the shore vegetation in which it presumably lived and fed. The arthropods form a typical lacustrine aquatic assemblage, lacking fish. This assemblage is made up of small filtering crustaceans and of both predator and non-predator insects of diverse sizes. Conclusions: The available evidence on Tresjuncos shows the extraordinary potential for paleontological information that can be expected from this new Konservat-Lagerstätte, which constitutes a significant finding that improves our understanding of continental late Miocene Mediterranean environments., [ES] Propósito: Se describe e interpreta un nuevo Konservat-Lagerstätte Ibérico descubierto en Tresjuncos (Cuenca, España) a partir de información geológica y paleontológica. Métodos: Las muestras se han estudiado utilizando metodologías convencionales mineralógicas (difracción de rayos X) petrográficas (microscopía óptica y electrónica) y geoquímicas (Espectrometría de energía dispersiva de rayos X). Resultados: Basados en el contexto geológico, estratigrafía, litología, sedimentología y origen de las rocas, describimos e interpretamos la nueva localidad fósil como originada en un ambiente lacustre. Los micromammíferos encontrados en el afloramiento de Tresjuncos 1 sugieren una edad Turoliense (Mioceno superior), unidad cronológica continental MN13. Los fósiles se conservan en laminaciones que comprenden alternancias rítmicas a escala milimétrica de diatomitas y diatomitas calcáreas. Un análisis de la paleobiota del lago incluye anfibios, crustáceos, insectos, plantas y diatomeas. Las diatomeas están dominadas por Cyclotella iris. Todo el conjunto es indicativo de una comunidad planctónica desarrollada en aguas algo alcalinas. Se descubrió un renacuajo de Pelobates (Pelobatidae) pre-metamorfosis muy bien conservado; remarcable debido a su enorme tamaño. Su tracto digestivo contiene predominantemente la rara diatomea Navicula halionata var directa, probablemente asociada con la vegetación de la orilla en la que presumiblemente vivía y se alimentaba. Los artrópodos forman una típica agrupación acuática lacustre, carente de peces. Este conjunto se compone de pequeños crustáceos filtrantes y de insectos predadores y no predadores de diversos tamaños. Conclusiones: La evidencia disponible sobre Tresjuncos muestra el extraordinario potencial de información paleontológica que se puede esperar de esta nueva Konservat-Lagerstätte, que constituye un hallazgo significativo que mejora nuestra comprensión de los ambientes mediterráneos del Mioceno continental., The present research was funded by Spanish Projects CGL2011-27826-CO2-02, CGL2014-54818-P and CGL2015-68333-P (Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad/FEDER, European Union).

A multiproxy study of the anastomosed fluvial succession from the Çameli Basin (SW Anatolia, Turkey) provides new insights on the palaeoenvironmental and palaeogeographical evolution of an extensional basin located at the top of western Taurides mountain range in the eastern Mediterranean. Detailed sedimentological, palaeontological and geochemical analyses on biogenic carbonates were carried out on the early Pleistocene (latest Villanyian) organic-rich fluvial succession in the Bıçakçı locality. Five main facies association groups characteristic of different sedimentary environments are recognized: (i) channel (CH), comprising lens-shaped bodies of fine- to medium-grained sandstones with minor siltstone interlayers; (ii) crevasse-splay (CS), including laminated siltstones and fine- to medium-grained sandstones sheets; (iii) pond (PD), containing laminated carbonaceous shales interbedded with siltstone or sandstone; (iv) swamp (SW), comprising coal beds with siltstone interbeds; and (v) floodplain (FP), including massive mudstones interbedded with siltstone and sandstone beds. Detailed facies analysis of the Bıçakçı succession reflects deposition on a floodplain which was traversed by a network of low-energy, well-defined channels separated by swamp and ponded areas in an anastomosed fluvial system. The Bıçakçı succession comprises a very rich micromammal fauna with a few large mammal remains, a rich variety of molluscs, plant macrofossils and pollen. This comprehensive record allows a multiproxy approach in reconstructing the early Pleistocene palaeoenvironment. The fauna and flora and stable isotope composition of the mollusc fauna of the Bıçakçı succession reflect vegetated quiet to slow moving freshwater shallow lakes and swamps under mostly cold and arid climatic conditions (stages 1 and 3) interrupted by a warm and subhumid interval (stage 2). The multiproxy record from Bıçakçı shows that early Pleistocene palaeoenvironments were predominantly open, steppe with some isolated shrubs and trees with forest at higher elevations. The very diverse landscape mosaics in the Çameli Basin during the early Pleistocene provided an excellent setting for refugia of Eurasian taxa. The biogeographic signature of mollusc and plant biota is predominantly modern Palaearctic with a minor amount of modern Palaearctic of the eastern Mediterranean, whereas mammal biota are dominated by extinct Palaearctic with a low proportion of the modern Palaearctic. During the early Pleistocene (2.25–2.1 Ma), the palaeoclimate and palaeoenvironmental conditions in Bıçakçı correspond to climatic deterioration after the onset of northern hemisphere glaciation (NHG, ~ 2.55 Ma) in the eastern Mediterranean. © 2016 Elsevier B.V.

[EN]: The micromammals remains from the Late Pleistocene site of the cave of El Castillo studied here in detail, came from the Aurignacian levels 18b and 18c (dated in 40.000-45.000 BP), level 19, and the Musterian levels 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e (dated in 41.000-49.000 BP), 21a and 21b. The micromammal association is the following: Erinaceus europaeus, Crocidura russula, Sorex coronatus, Sorex minutus, Neomys fodiens, Talpa europaea, Galemys pyrenaicus, cf. Miniopterus schreibersii, Chiroptera indet., Pliomys lenki, Microtus arvalis – Microtus agrestis, Microtus lusitanicus, Microtus oeconomus, Chionomys nivalis, Arvicola terrestris, Apodemus sylvaticus – Apodemus flavicollis and Lepus sp. Most of these species are in the present fauna of Cantabria, except Pliomys lenki that got extinct in the last third of the Upper Pleistocene, and Microtus oeconomus that disappeared from the Iberian Peninsula during the Holocene, in historical times, and is nowadays present in northern Euroasiatic regions. There is a great continuity of most of the taxa in all the levels. The faunal association seems to indicate a mainly open environment, in general with wet meadows (and few dry meadows), with good vegetation cover in the soil, with perhaps also some tree-covered areas, and some watercourses. The thermophiles indicators are very scarce, which could indicate that the climate could be a lesser temperate than other Upper Pleistocene periods and the present-day climate in the area., [ES]: El material de micromamíferos del yacimiento del Pleistoceno Superior de la cueva de El Castillo, objeto de estudio detallado en este trabajo, proviene de los niveles auriñacienses 18b y 18c (datados en 40.000-45.000 BP), nivel 19, y niveles musterienses 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e (datados en 41.000-49.000 BP), 21a y 21b. La asociación de micromamíferos es la siguiente: Erinaceus europaeus, Crocidura russula, Sorex coronatus, Sorex minutus, Neomys fodiens, Talpa europaea, Galemys pyrenaicus, cf. Miniopterus schreibersii, Chiroptera indet., Pliomys lenki, Microtus arvalis – Microtus agrestis, Microtus lusitanicus, Microtus oeconomus, Chionomys nivalis, Arvicola terrestris, Apodemus sylvaticus – Apodemus flavicollis y Lepus sp. La mayoría de estas especies están presentes en la fauna actual de Cantabria, excepto Pliomys lenki que se extinguió en el último tercio del Pleistoceno Superior, y Microtus oeconomus, que persistió en la península ibérica durante el Holoceno bien avanzado hasta su desaparición en tiempos históricos, y que actualmente está en regiones euroasiáticas más septentrionales. Hay una gran continuidad de la gran mayoría de los taxones en todos los niveles. La fauna en su conjunto parece indicar un medio predominantemente abierto, por lo general de praderas húmedas (y en mucha menor medida praderas secas) con una buena cobertura vegetal a nivel del suelo, en el que habría también algunas zonas arboladas o boscosas, y algún curso de agua. Los indicadores termófilos son escasos y poco abundantes, lo que podría indicar que el clima podría ser algo menos templado que en otros periodos del Pleistoceno Superior y quizás también que actualmente en la zona.

International audience; The study of small vertebrates in archaeological context provides accurate chronological, taphonomic and paleoenvironmental information allowing a better characterization of the human occupations in a given area. However, in Algeria, studies on microvertebrate assemblages mainly focused on ancient periods (Miocene to Middle Pleistocene), while for more recent periods of the Quaternary (Late Pleistocene-Holocene) microvertebrates have been very rarely mentioned and have never been the subject of specific analyses. Through the study of Neolithic assemblages from GLD1, we document here for the first time Holocene fossil microfaunas from Algeria with a comprehensively and thoroughly approach. The purpose of this study was to provide information on the microvertebrate palaeobiodiversity of this region during the Holocene, on the origin of the assemblages and the integrity of archaeological deposits, and to describe the local environment of the Neolithic occupations in this region. A total of 1,018 bone elements was studied, and 22 taxa were identified, including several species of rodents, soricomorphs, bats, amphibians and squamates. The taphonomic analysis shows that the GLD1 microvertebrate assemblages result from in situ accumulations by predation. The palaeoecological study shows predominance of open (steppes, meadows) and semi-open habitats, but also the presence of sparse wooded areas, corresponding to a Mediterranean climate and a landscape close to the current one. The analysis of; L'étude des petits vertébrés en contexte archéologique permet de fournir des informations chronologiques, taphonomiques et paléoenvironnementales précises permettant de mieux caractériser les occupations humaines d'une région donnée. En Algérie, les études microfauniques se sont principalement focalisées sur les périodes anciennes (Miocène à Pléistocène moyen), alors que les microvertébrés des périodes récentes du Quaternaire (Pléistocène supérieur-Holocène) n'ont fait l'objet que de très rares mentions, et n'ont jamais fait l'objet d'études spécifiques. Au travers de l'étude des assemblages néolithiques de la grotte de Gueldaman GLD1, nous documentons ici pour la première fois les microfaunes holocènes fossiles d'Algérie de façon exhaustive et approfondie. Le but de ce travail est d'apporter des informations sur la paléobiodiversité des microvertébrés de la région à l'Holocène, sur l'origine des assemblages et l'intégrité des dépôts archéologiques, et de décrire l'environnement local des populations néolithiques de la région. Un total de 1018 éléments osseux a été étudié, et 22 taxons ont été identifiés, incluant plusieurs espèces de rongeurs, soricomorphes, chiroptères, amphibiens et squamates. L'analyse taphonomique montre que les assemblages de microvertébrés de GLD1 sont issus d'une accumulation in situ par prédation. L'étude paléoécologique montre une prédominance des milieux ouverts (steppes, prairies) et semi-ouverts, mais avec également la présence de milieux plus boisés, correspondant à un climat méditerranéen et un paysage proches de l'actuel. L'étude couplée des microfaunes et des spéléothèmes suggère cependant un changement environnemental dans l'Unité Archéologique 4 (~4403 cal BP), depuis des conditions relativement humides vers des conditions plus arides.

Resumen: La asociación de micromamíferos determinada en este trabajo es la siguiente: Lagomorpha: Oryctolagus cuniculus; Eulipotyphla: Crocidura cf. russula, cf. Sorex sp., Neomys sp., Soricidae indet. y Talpa sp.; y Rodentia: Eliomys quercinus, Apodemus cf. sylvaticus, Cricetulus (Allocricetus) bursae, Arvicola aff. sapidus, Microtus (Iberomys) brecciensis y Microtus (Terricola) duodecimcostatus. Es una asociación característica del Pleistoceno Medio. El estadio evolutivo de Cricetulus (A.) bursae, Arvicola aff. sapidus y Microtus (I.) brecciensis le aproximan a las poblaciones de dichas especies de algunos yacimientos de la Península Ibérica del Pleistoceno Medio avanzado, pero no final, lo que es acorde con las dataciones numéricas obtenidas en el yacimiento (243-337 ka) que le sitúan en el MIS 8 o 9. Los micromamíferos indican la predominancia de los espacios abiertos con abundante vegetación herbácea y arbustiva, en los que podría haber también alguna zona arbolada. El clima que indican es de tipo mediterráneo, similar al actual en la zona o quizás algo más benigno y más húmedo. Abstract: The micromammal association established in this work is the following: Lagomorpha: Oryctolagus cuniculus; Eulipotyphla: Crocidura cf. russula, cf. Sorex sp., Neomys sp., Soricidae indet. and Talpa sp.; and Rodentia: Eliomys quercinus, Apodemus cf. sylvaticus, Cricetulus (Allocricetus) bursae, Arvicola aff. sapidus, Microtus (Iberomys) brecciensis and Microtus (Terricola) duodecimcostatus. This association is characteristic of the Middle Pleistocene. The morphological state of Cricetulus (A.) bursae, Arvicola aff. sapidus and Microtus (I.) brecciensis allows to place it in the advanced, but not final, Middle Pleistocene, which agrees with the numerical data of the site (243–337 ka) that places it in the MIS 8 or 9. The micromammals indicate the predominance of the open spaces with abundant vegetation mainly of herbaceous and bushes but also with some areas with trees. The climate would be of Mediterranean type, similar to the actual or perhaps a little milder and more humid.

[EN] The micromammals (orders Rodentia, Insectivora, Lagomorpha and Chiroptera) from the cave of Las Aguas site of the end of the upper Pleistocene are here studied for the first time. The fauna comes from the following drillings and levels: vestibule, drilling squares G6-G7: levels A, B (14.440-15.030 BP), C (14.740-17.630 BP) and D; drilling square N1: levels A, B (14.750 BP) and C, and drilling square M3: level B. The list of micromammals of the site is the following: Apodemus sp., Arvicola terrestris, Microtus arvalis-Microtus agrestis, Microtus oeconomus, Microtus lusitanicus, Chionomys nivalis, Sorex araneus, Neomys fodiens, Crocidura russula, Talpa europaea, Erinaceus europaeus, cf. Lepus sp. and Miniopterus schreibersii. All these taxa live nowadays in the cantabrian region except: Sorex araneus which distribution in the Iberian Peninsula has reduced to the north of Catalonia and Microtus oeconomus that is not in Spain but in northern Euroasiatic regions. The most abundant species in almost all the levels is Arvicola terrestris (between the 48,7 % and the 35,4 %). After Arvicola terrestris, the most abundant taxa in decreasing order with high and very similar percentages are: Microtus arvalis-Microtus agrestis and Microtus oeconomus. The paleoenvironmental study of the faunal assemblage suggests a mainly open and humid environment and a cold climate. [ES] En ese trabajo se estudian por primera vez los micromamíferos (órdenes Rodentia, Insectivora, Lagomorpha y Chiroptera) del yacimiento del final del Pleistoceno superior de la cueva de Las Aguas (Cantabria, norte de España). La fauna procede de los siguientes sondeos y niveles: vestíbulo, sondeo cuadros G6-G7: niveles A, B (14.440-15.030 BP), C (14.740-17.630 BP) y D; sondeo cuadro N1’: niveles A, B (14.750 BP) y C; y sondeo cuadro M3: nivel B. La relación de micromamíferos del yacimiento es la siguiente: Apodemus sp., Arvicola terrestris, Microtus arvalis-Microtus agrestis, Microtus oeconomus, Microtus lusitanicus, Chionomys nivalis, Sorex araneus, Neomys fodiens, Crocidura russula, Talpa europaea, Erinaceus europaeus, cf. Lepus sp. y Miniopterus schreibersii. Todos estos taxones viven actualmente en la región cantábrica excepto: Sorex araneus, cuya distribución se ha reducido en la península al norte de Cataluña y Microtus oeconomus que no está en España sino en regiones más septentrionales de Eurasia. La especie más abundante en casi todos los niveles del yacimiento es Arvicola terrestris (con porcentajes que varían entre el 48,7 % y el 35,4 %), siguiéndole en abundancia por orden decreciente con porcentajes muy altos y bastante similares Microtus arvalis-Microtus agrestis y Microtus oeconomus. El estudio paleoambiental de la asociación de micromamíferos del yacimiento sugiere un medio fundamentalmente abierto y húmedo y un clima frío.

[EN] The micromammals (orders Rodentia, Insectivora and Lagomorpha) from the cave of Cualventi site of the end of the upper Pleistocene are here studied for the first time. The fauna comes from the levels D, E (dated in 14.580-15.950 BP) and F, from which the E level is the richest with a MNI of 1489 out of a total MNI of the site of 1640. The list of micromammals of the site is the following: Apodemus cf. flavicollis, Arvicola terrestris, Microtus arvalis-Microtus agrestis, Microtus oeconomus, Microtus lusitanicus, Chionomys nivalis, Sorex araneus, Sorex minutus, Neomys fodiens, Crocidura russula, Talpa europaea, Erinaceus europaeus and cf. Lepus sp. It has been also registered Glis glis but without a secure stratigraphical context. All these taxa live nowadays in the cantabrian region except: Sorex araneus which distribution in the Iberian Peninsula has reduced to the north of Catalonia and Microtus oeconomus that is not in Spain but in northern Euroasiatic regions. The most abundant species in all the levels is Talpa europaea (between the 41,8 % and the 30,2 %) with difference as regards to the rest of the taxa. After Talpa europaea, the most abundant taxa with high percentages in decreasing order are: Microtus oeconomus, Arvicola terrestris and Microtus arvalis-Microtus agrestis. The paleoenvironmental study of the faunal assemblage suggests a mainly open and humid environment and a cold climate. [ES] En ese trabajo se estudian por primera vez los micromamíferos (órdenes Rodentia, Insectivora y Lagomorpha) del yacimiento del final del Pleistoceno superior de la cueva de Cualventi (Cantabria, norte de España). La fauna procede de los niveles D, E (datado en 14.580-15.950 BP) y F, de los cuales el más rico es el E con un NMI de 1489 sobre un NMI total del yacimiento de 1640. La relación de micromamíferos del yacimiento es la siguiente: Apodemus cf. flavicollis, Arvicola terrestris, Microtus arvalis-Microtus agrestis, Microtus oeconomus, Microtus lusitanicus, Chionomys nivalis, Sorex araneus, Sorex minutus, Neomys fodiens, Crocidura russula, Talpa europaea, Erinaceus europaeus y cf. Lepus sp. Además de estas especies se registra también Glis glis, pero sin contexto estratigráfico seguro. Todos estos taxones viven actualmente en la región cantábrica excepto: Sorex araneus, cuya distribución se ha reducido en la península ibérica al norte de Cataluña y Microtus oeconomus, que no está en España sino en regiones más septentrionales de Eurasia. La especie más abundante en todos los niveles del yacimiento, con diferencia respecto a las demás, es Talpa europaea (entre el 41,8 % y el 30,2 %), siguiéndole en abundancia por orden decreciente y con porcentajes muy altos: Microtus oeconomus, Arvicola terrestris y Microtus arvalis-Microtus agrestis. El estudio paleoambiental de la asociación de micromamíferos del yacimiento sugiere un medio fundamentalmente abierto y húmedo, y un clima frío.

[EN] The micromammals (orders Rodentia, Insectivora and Lagomorpha) from the cave of Linar site of the end of the upper Pleistocene are here studied for the first time. The fauna comesfrom the following drillings and levels: Drilling A: Levels 3 (15.250 BP) and 4; Drilling B: Level 3 (19.700 BP) and Drilling C: Levels 2, 3 (14.000-15.900 BP) and 4. The list of micromammals of the site is the following: Apodemus sp., Arvicola terrestris, Microtus arvalis-Microtus agrestis, Microtus oeconomus, Microtus lusitanicus, Chionomys nivalis, Clethrionomys glareolus, Sorex araneus, Sorex minutus, Neomys cf. fodiens, Talpa europaea, Erinaceus europaeus and cf. Lepus sp. All these taxa live nowadays in the Cantabrian Region except: Sorex araneus which distribution in the Iberian Peninsula has reduced to the north of Catalonia and Microtus oeconomus that is not in Spain but in northern Euroasiatic regions. The most abundant taxa in almost all the drillings and levels are: Microtus arvalis-Microtus agrestis and Microtus oeconomus, with a mean of percentage very similar of 30,6 % and 30,3 % respectively for all the site. After these taxa, the most abundant species in decreasing order is Arvicola terrestris with a mean of percentage of 19,8 % for all the site. The paleoenvironmental study of the faunal assemblage suggests a mainly open and humid environment and a cold climate. [ES] En este trabajo se estudian por primera vez los micromamíferos (órdenes Rodentia, Insectivora y Lagomorpha) del yacimiento del final del Pleistoceno superior de la cueva de El Linar (Cantabria, norte de España). La fauna procede de los siguientes sondeos y niveles: sondeo A: niveles 3 (15.250 BP) y 4; sondeo B: nivel 3 (19.700 BP) y sondeo C: niveles 2, 3 (14.000-15.900 BP) y 4. La relación de micromamíferos del yacimiento es la siguiente: Apodemus sp., Arvicola terrestris, Microtus arvalis-Microtus agrestis, Microtus oeconomus, Microtus lusitanicus, Chionomys nivalis, Clethrionomys glareolus, Sorex araneus, Sorex minutus, Neomys cf. fodiens, Talpa europaea, Erinaceus europaeus y cf. Lepus sp. Todos estos taxones viven actualmente en la región cantábrica excepto: Sorex araneus, cuya distribución se ha reducido en la península ibérica al norte de Cataluña y Microtus oeconomus que no está en España sino en regiones más septentrionales de Eurasia. Los taxones más abundantes en la mayor parte de los sondeos y niveles son: Microtus arvalis-Microtus agrestis y Microtus oeconomus, con porcentajes muy parecidos del 30,6 % y 30,3 % respectivamente de media para todo el yacimiento, siguiéndole en abundancia Arvicola terrestris que constituye el 19,8 % de media para todo el yacimiento. El estudio paleoambiental de la asociación de micromamíferos del yacimiento sugiere un medio fundamentalmente abierto y húmedo, y un clima frío.

Trabajo presentado en la Reunión de Arqueología Madrileña, celebrada en Alcalá de Henares el 20 y 21 de noviembre de 2014., [ES] Durante los trabajos de vigilancia de los movimientos de tierras asociados a la obra de la construcción de viviendas en el solar de la Real Fábrica de Paños (en adelante RFP) de San Fernando de Henares se documentaron materiales geológicos de edad miocena y cuaternaria con un contacto lateral dinámico entre ellos, constituido por una falla extensional de dirección norte-sur. En los niveles cuaternarios se registraron numerosos restos paleontológicos y algunas piezas de industria lítica. Según los estudios preliminares geomorfológicos y de macromamíferos (Tapias y Arango 2008; Yravedra et al. 2008; Dones et al. 2011) se asignó una cronología genérica de Pleistoceno Medio, confirmada por la datación obtenida por racemización de aminoácidos de un molar de Equus caballus (304 ka). En este trabajo se aportan nuevos datos a partir de la revisión y estudio de los restos de micromamíferos recuperados en la unidad 3. La presencia de Microtus brecciensis y M. arvalis en la base de los depósitos aluviales posibilita su adscripción cronológica al Pleistoceno Medio avanzado (MIS 8 o MIS 6)., [EN] During the monitoring of the movements of land associated with the work of the construction of homes in the Solar of the Royal Factory of Cloths of San Fernando de Henares, some geological materials of Miocene and Quaternary age were documented. Numerous paleontological remains and some stone tools have been registered in these quaternary levels. According to geomorphological preliminary studies and macromammals (Tapias y Arango 2008; Yravedra et al. 2008; Dones et al. 2011) a generic Middle Pleistocene chronology was assigned. This was confirmed by the aminoacids racemization dating of Equus caballus molar (304 ka) This paper provides new data of the remains of micromammals recovered. The faunal assemblage, with Microtus brecciensis and M arvalis found at the base of the alluvial deposits, has allowed reviewing previous studies. It could be more specific on the geochronological and paleoenviromental contextualization of remains and materials that could be assigned to advanced Middle Pleistocene (MIS 8 or MIS 6).

[ES] Se realiza la síntesis de los micromamíferos de los yacimientos de la cueva de Cualventi (con el nivel E datado entre 14.580 y 15.950 BP), cueva de El Linar (con niveles datados entre 14.000 y 19.700 BP) y cueva de Las Aguas (con niveles datados entre 14.440 y 17.630 BP) fundamentalmente desde el punto de vista paleoambiental. Las asociaciones faunísticas de los tres yacimientos tienen la mayoría de los taxones comunes: el género Apodemus (en el yacimiento de la cueva de Cualventi se ha identificado la especie Apodemus cf. flavicollis), Arvicola terrestris, Microtus arvalis-Microtus agrestis, Microtus oeconomus, Microtus lusitanicus, Chionomys nivalis, Sorex araneus, Neomys fodiens (determinado como Neomys cf. fodiens en la cueva de El Linar), Talpa europaea, Erinaceus europaeus y cf. Lepus sp., entre los que se encuentran algunos de los que suelen ser los más abundantes. Los taxones que faltan en alguno de los tres yacimientos o solo están en uno de ellos: Glis glis (se registra en la cueva de Cualventi pero sin contexto estratigráfico seguro), Clethrionomys glareolus (en la cueva de El Linar), Sorex minutus (en la cueva de Cualventi y la cueva de El Linar), Crocidura russula (en la cueva de Cualventi y la cueva de Las Aguas) y Miniopterus schreibersii (en la cueva de Las Aguas) son, por el contrario, muy escasos en los niveles de los yacimientos en los que aparecen. La mayoría de los taxones que se registran en los tres yacimientos presentan una gran continuidad en los distintos niveles y sondeos. Es decir que no hay un cambio faunístico apreciable que refleje a su vez ningún cambio paleoambiental significativo entre los distintos niveles de los tres yacimientos. Solo dos de los taxones que se registran en estos yacimientos no están actualmente presentes en la fauna de la región cantábrica: Sorex araneus, cuya distribución se ha reducido en la península ibérica al norte de Cataluña y Microtus oeconomus que no está en España sino en regiones más septentrionales de Eurasia. Del estudio de las asociaciones de micromamíferos de los tres yacimientos se deducen unas condiciones paleoambientales de un medio abierto húmedo y un clima frío., [EN] It is made here a synthesis of the micromammals from the sites of the cave of Cualventi (with the level E dated between 14.580 and 15.950 BP), cave of El Linar (with some levels dated between 14.000 and 19.700 BP) and cave of Las Aguas (with some levels dated between 14.440 and 17.630 BP) mainly from the paleoenvironmental point of view. The faunal assemblages of the three sites have in common the majority of the taxa: the genus Apodemus (in the Cualventi cave site has been identified the species Apodemus cf. flavicollis), Arvicola terrestris, Microtus arvalis-Microtus agrestis, Microtus oeconomus, Microtus lusitanicus, Chionomys nivalis, Sorex araneus, Neomys fodiens (determined as Neomys cf. fodiens in the Linar cave site), Talpa europaea, Erinaceus europaeus and cf. Lepus sp., some of which are also the most abundant. The taxa that are absent in some of the sites or that are only in one of them: Glis glis (registered in the cave of Cualventi but without a secure stratigraphical context), Clethrionomys glareolus (in the cave of El Linar), Sorex minutus (in the cave of Cualventi and the cave of El Linar), Crocidura russula (in the cave of Cualventi and the cave of Las Aguas) and Miniopterus schreibersii (in the cave of Aguas), are, by contrary, very scarce in the levels of the sites in which they appear. The majority of the taxa that are registered in the three sites have a great continuity in the different drillings and levels. It is to say that there is not an appreciable faunal change that shows any significant paleoenvironmental change between the different drillings and levels of the three sites. From all these taxa that are registered in the three sites, only two are not nowadays in the cantabrian region: Sorex araneus which distribution in the Iberian Peninsula has reduced to the north of Catalonia and Microtus oeconomus that is not in Spain but in northern Euroasiatic regions. From the study of the micromammal assemblages of the three sites, are deduced a mainly open and humid environment and a cold climate.

International audience; The study of small vertebrates in archaeological context provides accurate chronological, taphonomic and paleoenvironmental information allowing a better characterization of the human occupations in a given area. However, in Algeria, studies on microvertebrate assemblages mainly focused on ancient periods (Miocene to Middle Pleistocene), while for more recent periods of the Quaternary (Late Pleistocene - Holocene) microvertebrates have been very rarely mentioned and have never been the subject of specific analyses. Through the study of Neolithic assemblages from GLD1, we document here for the first time Holocene fossil microfaunas from Algeria with a comprehensively and thoroughly approach. The purpose of this study was to provide information on the microvertebrate palaeobiodiversity of this region during the Holocene, on the origin of the assemblages and the integrity of archaeological deposits, and to describe the local environment of the Neolithic occupations in this region. A total of 1,018 bone elements was studied, and 22 taxa were identified, including several species of rodents, soricomorphs, bats, amphibians and squamates. The taphonomic analysis shows that the GLD1 microvertebrate assemblages result from in situ accumulations by predation. The palaeoecological study shows predominance of open (steppes, meadows) and semi-open habitats, but also the presence of sparse wooded areas, corresponding to a Mediterranean climate and a landscape close to the current one. The analysis of both microvertebrate assemblages and speleothems suggests an environmental shift in the Archaeological Unit 4 (~4403 cal BP), from relatively humid conditions towards drier conditions.; L'étude des petits vertébrés en contexte archéologique permet de fournir des informations chronologiques, taphonomiques et paléoenvironnementales précises permettant de mieux caractériser les occupations humaines d’une région donnée. En Algérie, les études microfauniques se sont principalement focalisées sur les périodes anciennes (Miocène à Pléistocène moyen), alors que les microvertébrés des périodes récentes du Quaternaire (Pléistocène supérieur - Holocène) n’ont fait l’objet que de très rares mentions, et n’ont jamais fait l’objet d’études spécifiques. Au travers de l’étude des assemblages néolithiques de la grotte de Gueldaman GLD1, nous documentons ici pour la première fois les microfaunes holocènes fossiles d’Algérie de façon exhaustive et approfondie. Le but de ce travail est d’apporter des informations sur la paléobiodiversité des microvertébrés de la région à l'Holocène, sur l’origine des assemblages et l’intégrité des dépôts archéologiques, et de décrire l’environnement local des populations néolithiques de la région. Un total de 1018 éléments osseux a été étudié, et 22 taxons ont été identifiés, incluant plusieurs espèces de rongeurs, soricomorphes, chiroptères, amphibiens et squamates. L’analyse taphonomique montre que les assemblages de microvertébrés de GLD1 sont issus d’une accumulation in situ par prédation. L’étude paléoécologique montre une prédominance des milieux ouverts (steppes, prairies) et semi-ouverts, mais avec également la présence de milieux plus boisés, correspondant à un climat méditerranéen et un paysage proches de l’actuel. L’étude couplée des microfaunes et des spéléothèmes suggère cependant un changement environnemental dans l’Unité Archéologique 4 (~4403 cal BP), depuis des conditions relativement humides vers des conditions plus arides.

Resumen: La asociación de micromamíferos determinada en este trabajo es la siguiente: Lagomorpha: Oryctolagus cuniculus; Eulipotyphla: Crocidura cf. russula, cf. Sorex sp., Neomys sp., Soricidae indet. y Talpa sp.; y Rodentia: Eliomys quercinus, Apodemus cf. sylvaticus, Cricetulus (Allocricetus) bursae, Arvicola aff. sapidus, Microtus (Iberomys) brecciensis y Microtus (Terricola) duodecimcostatus. Es una asociación característica del Pleistoceno Medio. El estadio evolutivo de Cricetulus (A.) bursae, Arvicola aff. sapidus y Microtus (I.) brecciensis le aproximan a las poblaciones de dichas especies de algunos yacimientos de la Península Ibérica del Pleistoceno Medio avanzado, pero no final, lo que es acorde con las dataciones numéricas obtenidas en el yacimiento (243-337 ka) que le sitúan en el MIS 8 o 9. Los micromamíferos indican la predominancia de los espacios abiertos con abundante vegetación herbácea y arbustiva, en los que podría haber también alguna zona arbolada. El clima que indican es de tipo mediterráneo, similar al actual en la zona o quizás algo más benigno y más húmedo., The micromammal association established in this work is the following: Lagomorpha: Oryctolagus cuniculus; Eulipotyphla: Crocidura cf. russula, cf. Sorex sp., Neomys sp., Soricidae indet. and Talpa sp.; and Rodentia: Eliomys quercinus, Apodemus cf. sylvaticus, Cricetulus (Allocricetus) bursae, Arvicola aff. sapidus, Microtus (Iberomys) brecciensis and Microtus (Terricola) duodecimcostatus. This association is characteristic of the Middle Pleistocene. The morphological state of Cricetulus (A.) bursae, Arvicola aff. sapidus and Microtus (I.) brecciensis allows to place it in the advanced, but not final, Middle Pleistocene, which agrees with the numerical data of the site (243–337 ka) that places it in the MIS 8 or 9. The micromammals indicate the predominance of the open spaces with abundant vegetation mainly of herbaceous and bushes but also with some areas with trees. The climate would be of Mediterranean type, similar to the actual or perhaps a little milder and more humid.

From the beginning of the last century, the expansion of the ski industry has significantly altered alpine environments. The aim of this research was to study the impacts of forest ski-pistes on small mammals by assessing (1) whether ski-pistes were used or avoided and (2) whether they acted as ecological barriers to local movements. Two ski-developed valleys of the Western Italian Alps were considered. Most of the fieldwork occurred in the Sessera valley (Piedmont); a minor part was carried out in the Ayas valley (Aosta valley). In the main study site, three capture–mark–recapture studies on core species were carried out to assess habitat use (one study) and the capability of crossing ski-pistes (two studies: spontaneous crossing and individual translocation). Two radiotracking surveys of the most vagile species, the fat dormouse, were carried out to locate home ranges and resting sites in relation to ski-pistes. In the habitat use experiment, virtually all individuals (245 out of 249) were captured outside the ski-piste. In the spontaneous crossing test, recaptures of marked individuals showed that they moved on one side of the ski-piste only and never crossed it. However, in translocation experiments, 18.6 % of translocated individuals were able to cross the ski-piste and come back to the original forest patch. Fat dormice maintained home ranges on one side of the ski-piste and they never crossed it. Resting sites were mostly underground, between rocks, in boulders and in rocky crevices, never in the ski-piste. Our study clearly suggests that forest ski-pistes represent habitat loss and are ecological, semi-permeable barriers to small mammals. To mitigate habitat loss and make movements between forest patches easier, a possible management intervention could be maintaining a partial shrub cover or adding woody debris, both relatively easy methods for ski areas to implement in order to maintain small mammal communities.

On the basis of the work done by Strahl et al. (1994), the mollusc specimens in the Late Saalian glacial and Eemian interglacial sediments from the cliff outcrop of Klein Klütz Höved (NW Mecklenburg) were re-examined and, in the process, a few vertebrates (fishes, micromammals) were also found. The mollusc specimens from the Late Saalian sand and mud alone comprise approximately 40 species among which terrestrial varieties, e.g. Succinella oblonga, Pupilla loessica, P. pratensis, Vallonia tenuilabris or Vertigo genesii, are clearly predominant as far as the number of individual specimens is concerned. Among the limnic varieties were also found the glacial index species Pisidium obtusale f. lapponicum and P. stewarti. It was also possible to prove the northern-most presence for Germany of the steppe lemming Lagurus lagurus in the Late Saalian. In the Eemian mud, the molluscs found were almost exclusively limnic. This about 20 species comprising fauna is characte-ristic of a river system with calmer areas, oxbow lakes and in-coming springs. These fluvial conditions were confirmed by the freshwater bivalves Pisidium amnicum, P. supinum, P. moitessierianum, P. ponderosum and Unio tumidus. For the first time in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, evidence was found of the spring snail Belgrandia germanica as an interglacial index species. The limnic-fluvial section of the Eemian is topped by a cryoturbate structures. Its sandy, gravelly pockets contain marine molluscs. The index species for the marine Eemian found in the southern Baltic region are Polititapes senescens and Bittium reticulatum., research