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In order to reconstruct local environmental changes affecting wetlands in middle mountain ranges, this study presents a multi-proxy analysis of the Pialeloup peat record on the Béage Plateau (South-Eastern Massif Central, France). It combines macrofossil, beetle, palynological, and geochemical data. The results are compared with other palaeoecological studies and archaeological data from the Massif Central, Jura Mountains and Alpine regions to discuss the links between local environmental changes and socio-economical dynamics at larger scales. Based on this approach, early environmental changes were highlighted between 6500 and 4800 BC, most certainly due to animal trampling on the Pialeloup bog. These events seem synchronous with human presence from the Late Mesolithic to Early Neolithic. It suggested that wild animals and human/livestock might have frequented the Béage Plateau wetlands. Then, long-term landscape management was documented for the last 3000 years. Local palaeoecological insights (synanthropic plants, beech-forest clearings, increasing erosion) and archaeological evidence for human settlements (pottery, millstones, and anthropogenic soils) were revealed to start during the Iron Age (400–200 BC). From the Late Iron Age to the Early Medieval period (150 BC–AD 725), human activities combined livestock pasture and local cereal cultivation (such as rye, Secale cereale, as a winter crop). This long-term management produced an open landscape where only small beech/fir woods persisted (Fagus sylvatica/Abies alba). This step was essential for the further development of extensive livestock grazing since the Medieval period in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the granitic part of the eastern Massif Central (France), the Gourd des Aillères (GDA) mire provides one of the only Late-Glacial and Early Holocene sequences with a continuous sedimentation since the Oldest Dryas around 16000 years calibrated Before Present (16 ka cal. BP). Bioclimatic and hydrological changes were reconstructed based on sedimentological parameters, as well as by means of plant and animal macrofossils, pollen, and diatoms analyses through time. The environmental history of this site started with a small lake formed behind a moraine-dam. The multi-proxy study of the sedimentary sequence demonstrated that the coldest conditions took place around 14.3 ka cal. BP, at the very end of the Oldest Dryas. The Bølling period (14.2–13.9 ka cal. BP) was obviously warmer than the Allerød period (13.9–12.8 ka cal. BP) in the Monts du Forez Mountains. However, both chronozones presented a short cooling phase: the Intra Bølling Cold Period (IBCP) and the Intra Allerød Cold Period (IACP), respectively. The Older Dryas (14–13.9 ka cal. BP) was identified for the first time in this region based on pollen and diatom indicators. Thereafter, the Younger Dryas (12.9–11.7 ka cal. BP) was characterised by major temperature fluctuations. Windy conditions prevailed as indirectly demonstrated by the high frequency of Aulacoseira diatoms in the sequence. The onset of the Holocene was dated to 11.7 ka cal. BP. Peat-forming processes started thereafter due to the quick postglacial warming and the former GDA lake finally evolved into a limnogenous mire at the end of the Preboreal (10.4 ka cal. BP). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mammoth feces from northern Yakutia and western Chukotka were investigated in a multidisciplinary study. Radiocarbon dating of the Yakutian mammoth dung yielded ca 42 ka BP and the age of the feces from Chukotka is older than 45 ka BP. The two sites are located about 15,000 km from each other and have a different geological setting. Most plant remains in the dung of both mammoths were grasses and sedges, with some other herbs and dwarf shrubs in addition. The pastures were situated in varying treeless shrubby landscapes: herb–grass associations of meadows, wormwood and shrub biotopes on slopes, in valleys and at watersheds. Besides plant remains and hairs of large herbivore mammals, the feces also contained feathers of Anseriformes, fragments of beetles and flies, ephippia of Cladocera, diatoms, remains of testate amoebae and ascospores of coprophilous fungi from pasture cenoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigations in four natural traps from southeastern France have provided new and extensive information on the palaeoenvironment from the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM; 21,000 to 15,075 cal BP), the Late-glacial period (15,075 to 11,490 cal BP) and the beginning of Holocene (11,490 to 2835 cal BP). Radiocarbon and U/Th dates provided precise chronological data. In the Coulet des Roches, an LGM and a near complete Late-glacial period sequence were identified. The infilling preserved skeletons of large mammals, revealing a new faunal assemblage for southeastern France. For the first time, two distinct southern expansions of Dicrostonyx torquatus have been identified, correlated firstly to the LGM and secondly to the Late-glacial period. Dicrostonyx torquatus was found to be associated with Microtus oeconemus during the Oldest Dryas (15,075 to 18,270 cal BP). Morphological adaptations to the cold climate were indicated by some mammals ( Vulpes vulpes , Mustela nivalis , Mustela erminea , Equus caballus gallicus ). Among the birds, Bubo scandiacus and Pyrrhocorax graculus were found to be abundant. Palynological data suggested a very open landscape as well as a cold and rather dry climate. Rangifer tarandus remains were recovered from the Oldest Dryas layers of Aven des Planes. During the Allerød, a wooded environment permitted the dispersal of Cervus elaphus , Sus scrofa , Tetrao urogallus as well as reptiles and amphibians. Holocene sequences existed in these two natural traps as in Aven Souche n° 1 and n° 2. At this time, a sparsely wooded landscape covered much of the area. Cervus elaphus and Tetrao urogallus were still present with Canis lupus , Lynx lynx and Felis silvestris . Areas of open landscape were occupied by Otis tarda . During the Bronze Age (2200 to 800 cal BC) and Iron Age (800 to 50 cal BC), Aven des Planes, Aven Souche n° 1 and n° 2 were used by humans and had a sepulchral destination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This contribution presents a general account and summary of the research carried out over the past decades on the Quaternary faunas of France. This country is located in the center of Western Europe, and presents distinct topographical features and very varied climatic influences. This paper is the result of collaborative work between French teams and different researchers specialized in the paleontology of large mammals. Over a hundred paleontological or archaeological sites are mentioned in this review, which covers a broad chronological period, ranging from the Early (including the end of Pliocene/Gelasien) and Middle Pleistocene to the Late Pleistocene. One of the aims of this work is to present studies of the main families or subfamilies of herbivores (Equidae, Rhinocerotidae, Bovidae [Bovines, Caprines, Antilopines, and Rupicaprines], Cervidae, Proboscid) and carnivores (Canidae, Ursidae, Mustelidae, Hyenidae, Felidae). It is not exhaustive at the generic and specific level, but details on the taxonomic status, evolutionary levels and biochronological importance of the most important taxa are given alongside an extensive and up-to-date bibliography of French works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Peat initiation during the Late-Holocene was studied in the eastern part of the Massif Central in France from the analysis of numerous conventional and AMS radiocarbon dates obtained in the basal layers of 83 mires, representative of old, thick deposits, but also of younger and marginal mire areas. Radiocarbon dates were calibrated to calendar years BP in order to generate probability distributions of calibrated radiocarbon dates. Only the oldest dates from each mire were used for this statistical analysis. It appears that the Late-Holocene was one of the two most intensive periods of peat initiation since the end of the glacial period. Peat initiation began around 4500cal. BP, following a complete halt in the formation of mires from 5300 to 4500cal. BP. By contrast, peat initiation increased significantly since 2400cal. BP. This history of Late-Holocene peat initiation is not in agreement with chronologies of climatic change in Western Europe. The hypothesis is that peat initiation during the last 4500 years was a consequence of agricultural expansion in the Massif Central in France, which is supported by pollen and archaeological data. Nevertheless, the possible role of climate in certain periods, for example during the Little Ice Age, is not discounted. In term of conservation, the demonstration of a human origin of certain mires leads to a new interest in these ecosystems, and provide a huge argument in order to protect them. Indeed, because of their existence, they testify to the history of agricultural expansion, and some mires are therefore the object of archaeological studies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Recent excavations carried out by M. Faure and C. Guérin in the Montrebut palaeontological site (Saint-Vallier, Drôme, France) yield eleven species of Carnivores. They belong to the main Carnivores families (Canidae, Ursidae, Mustelidae, Hyaenidae, Felidae) and confirm most of the former list established by . Many new morphometric data have been collected. They give more precision to prior knowledges with which comparisons may be attempted. A complete skull of Chasmaporthetes lunensis (= Euryboas lunensis, Hyaenidae) has been discovered. As the site is better understood, it makes possible to precise the palaeoecology of the species when data is good enough. A spatial approach of the Carnivore''s distribution among bones accumulations is possible thanks to a rigorous space record of the fossils. The great number of species but low number of individuals for each of them makes this approach easy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: From 1993 to 1999, 216 samples have been collected for pollen analysis as excavations were carried out in the Saint-Vallier site. They concern the whole layers of sediments. Few samples contain pollen grains. Because of oxidation, or bad accumulation, or conservation conditions, pollen is rare. Statistics calculation is then generally impossible. In spite of that, interesting qualitative data are available. Most of the results obtained concern the sediments close to LD3 (« banc durci 3 ). A coprolite of Hyaenideae found by Jean Viret in the 1950s and belonging to the LD3 has been analysed too. It yields well-preserved pollen grains that confirm the other results. They indicate temperate climatic conditions: fresh below the LD3 (conifers dominant: Pinus, Cedrus, Picea, Abies), and warmer above, at the bone-bearing horizon (broad leaved trees, Quercus and Platanus among them). The spectrums indicate both forest environment and open landscape with heliophilous trees and herbs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper studies mire initiation modalities from the Late-Glacial to the Holocene by comparing radiocarbon ages on basal peat layers (112 sites from the Eastern French Massif Central – EFMC) with long-term land cover changes. We developed a semi-quantitative method based on the degree of openness and on Anthropogenic Impact Factors (AIF scores) from palaeoecological data (mire and lake records). Archaeological information was also considered to evaluate human impact. We compared regional mire development trends with datasets from Northern Europe, Siberia, Alaska and Canada, and with global CH 4 emission. Heterogenous cases of mire initiation were highlighted during the last 15 ka years in the EMFC. From 15 to 11.7 ka cal. BP, some mires and histic horizons occurred, although further research is needed to better understand these peat accumulation phases. Related to the Early Holocene warming, a mire generation established by terrestrialization, in the southern EFMC where geomorphology favoured fens. Bogs also formed by paludification in the whole area between 10 and 7 ka cal. BP. Then, various cases of mire initiation were found from 4.4 to 2.4 ka cal. BP. The high number of mires established since 2.4 ka cal. BP could be related to major anthropogenic changes, indirectly favouring fens (in former ponds for instance) or small bogs (at the back of roads, walls or in abandoned drainage systems). This last generation was typical of Western European mountains and implied that moderate human impact may also produce socio-ecosystems with high ecological value. • An early mire inception phase occurred during the Late-Glacial (15.5 to 11.7 ka cal. BP), but further research is needed. • Major generation of mires from 10 to 7 ka cal. BP linked with the Early Holocene climate. • During the Early Holocene, geomorphology favoured fens in the south EFMC, while small bogs established in the whole area. • New generation of mires since 4.2 ka cal. BP, with anthropogenic origins especially during the last 2.4 ka cal. BP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: New fieldwork undertaken at Saint-Vallier from 1993–1999 has revealed that the site has two fossiliferous horizons of hardened loess, of which the upper (LD 3) is richer and may be considered the reference locality for the Middle Villafranchian. The lower horizon, LD 2, yields many fewer taxa but is distinguished by the presence of an Allohippus stenonis quite different from that in LD 3. The faunal list includes six genera of molluscs, eight species of birds and 42 mammalian species, including three insectivores, six rodents, two lagomorphs, one primate, 15 carnivores, two proboscideans, four perissodactyls, and night artiodactyls. We have recovered fourteen taxa new to the locality: four molluscs, a bird, three insectivores, two rodents, two perissodactyls, and two artiodactyls. Pollen is relatively rare, but it is interesting to note the presence of cedar and plane trees. The mammalian community reflects a mosaic environment of steppe punctuated by open woodland, near a body of water and under a relatively moist but not especially cold climate. The age of the upper horizon is estimated at about 2 Ma; the mammalian fauna is characterized by eight species representing each an evolutionary stage in a defined lineage, two typical associations of taxa, and the first appearances (FADs) of seven taxa. Many European localities yield a comparable fauna with some or all of these features, and their ages correspond to the same biozone MNQ 17. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Sedimentary record used to reconstruct the paleoenvironmental history of a pond. [•] TMAH thermochemolysis used to characterize macromolecular OM (lignin and fatty acids). [•] OM sources, changes in vegetation and depositional conditions were assigned from macromolecular ratios. [•] Recent land use changes in catchment area evidenced via coupling macromolecular ratios and pollen. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Evidence of a changing environment in the catchment area of a small pond (Lansquenet, Lorraine, France) during the last millennium was provided by coupling palynology data and organic ratios [terrestrial to aquatic ratio: TAR(HC); the C29 vs. C27 sterols, C29/C27(ST); average chain length, ACL and aquatic/macrophytes ratio, P aq]. The depositional and alteration conditions of organic matter (OM) were provided by the 5α(H)-stanols/Δ5-sterols ratio. This study shows that quite simple organic ratios clearly allow identification of the different evolution steps of a watershed, from a swamp to the progressive settlement of a pond. During the swampy period, the C/N(at) (ca. 11.1), TAR(HC) (ca. 36.8), C29/C27(ST) (ca. 8.7) and P aq (<0.3) show a high contribution of allochthonous OM associated with the presence of particular aquatic and mesohygrophilous species. A woody level dated to the XIIIth century reflects the period of the settlement of the pond in a more oxic environment [5α(H)-stanol/Δ5sterol ratio <0.2]. Then, the progressive increase in aquatic input and the development of submerged and floating macrophytes are evidenced by low C/N(at) (<7.6), TAR(HC) (ca. 2.7), C29/C27(ST) (ca. 2) and high P aq (ca. 0.5), suggesting an increase in the water level and eutrophication of the pond. A second oxic event [5α(H)-stanols/Δ5sterols ratio averaging 0.16], associated with extensive OM degradation, corresponds to the most recent dredging in 2002 and reflects an important disturbance of sediments due to pond management. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: During the Upper Pliocene, two subspecies of Nyctereutes megamastoides (Pomel, 1842) — N. m. megamastoides and N. m. vulpinus — have been described in Western Europe. Nyctereutes megamastoides vulpinus was defined for the distinctive form of Saint-Vallier (Drôme, France) to which was associated the remains from Puebla de Valverde (Teruel, Spain). Helped by the recent descriptions and identifications, especially the one of a pliocene species from China, Nyctereutes tingi, the statut of the taxon from Saint-Vallier is revisited. We suggest that the Nyctereutes remains from this locality (excavation Viret in 1946–1956 and excavation Faure and Guérin in 1993–1999) and those from Puebla de Valverde should be referred to a distinct species, Nyctereutes vulpinus comb. and stat. nov. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Résumé: Le Col de Jiboui, à 1620 m d’altitude dans le Massif du Vercors, se présente comme un large vallon orienté nord-sud. La montagne de Belle Motte qui domine le col à l’ouest, a livré à sa base des silex abondants et de bonne qualité. De plus, le col de Jiboui a une position assez stratégique puisque, en plus de ses gîtes de silex, c’est une voie de passage entre le Diois et le Vercors et ainsi entre les Alpes françaises du Nord et les Alpes françaises du Sud. Le gisement moustérien se situe dans une station particulière, au sommet d’un ravin. Sous un dépôt holocène, nous avons une épaisseur d’environ 1,50 m de dépôts pléistocènes comportant une couche moustérienne à très nombreux artefacts. Si on ne peut contester des mouvements localisés de pièces, il semble bien que le gisement soit en très grande partie en place. L’épaisseur de l’amas de concentration en artefacts laisse supposer que nous avons là plusieurs occupations saisonnières suffisamment rapprochées les unes des autres, ce qui est confirmé par l’abondance des remontages et leur répartition stratigraphique, ainsi que les cas de double patine. La position des installations humaines, toujours au même endroit, nous laisse supposer que nous avions là un même groupe séjournant plus ou moins régulièrement sur le site et réutilisant certains éléments lithiques abandonnés précédemment et peut-être même certains vestiges de structures antérieures, non détériorées par le manteau neigeux de la période hivernale. Jiboui est ainsi certainement un site d’exception dans le milieu des Alpes du Nord car le Moustérien est bien calé dans un niveau stratigraphique bien individualisé. La datation thermoluminescence de deux artefacts brûlés a donné les dates de 55 000 ± 3500 avant nos jours et 48 000 ± 3000 avant nos jours, ce qui placerait l’occupation du site au cours du stade isotopique 3. L’industrie moustérienne reflète en effet une activité importante de taille du silex (nombreux nucléus, produits corticaux et produits prédéterminants). Cependant, l’importance des produits Levallois non retouchés, de l’outillage retouché et des petits éclats de retouche, incite à penser que le site est de faciès mixte et qu’il a servi aussi de campement temporaire dans lequel les racloirs sont les outils largement dominants. Il s’agit d’un faciès fortement levalloisien, qu’on peut rattacher à un Moustérien Charentien de type Ferrassie oriental. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]