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Abstract: In this paper we present a review of the available pollen analyses in the north-western Iberian Range with the aim of studying Fagus glacial refugia and Holocene expansion. The work collects the available pollen analyses in the area (24 sites and 58 14C dates). Based on the available palynological data, we try to reconstruct the changes that occurred in the distribution of Fagus sylvatica in the north-western Iberian Range during the late Pleistocene and the Holocene, its spread patterns and the possible causes for such changes. Results from pollen analyses allow establishing at the Middle Holocene the beginnings of Fagus expansion mostly in relation to anthropic activities. Also, the pollen data demonstrate the existence of Fagus glacial refuge during the Late Pleistocene and the Early Holocene. Therefore, we hypothesize that present-day beech forests, in the area under study, are the direct result of the relic populations that survived the last glaciations and that have been favoured by both environmental conditions and human activities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a mid- to late-Holocene vegetation sequence of a Juniperus thurifera-dominated area in the eastern, continental plateaux of the Segura Mountains of southeastern Spain. A mid-Holocene maximum of mesic tress is recorded in the pollen diagram between c. 6640 and 4790 cal years BP with the vegetation dominated by deciduous oaks. A dramatic decline in deciduous oaks occurred from approximately 4700 cal years BP to be replaced initially by evergreen oak, and then junipers and other xerophytes from c. 4500 cal years BP. This trend of xericness in the vegetation is coherent with regional and extra-regional palaeoclimatic records for increased mid-Holocene aridity. Significant anthropogenic modification of the vegetation occurred in this region from c. 1350 cal years BP represented by a large reduction in all tree taxa (except Juniperus) and increases of thorny scrub and nitrophilous assemblages. Increased fire incidence, pastoralism, and arboriculture were associated with this anthropogenic activity. We conclude that present-day J. thurifera-dominated communities in this region have become established through a combination of two predominant processes; increased aridification from c.4500 cal years BP and anthropogenic activity from c. 1200 cal years BP. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents pollen analyses and radiocarbon dating on Crocuta coprolites from Las Ventanas (LV) and Carihuela (Car) Caves in southern Spain (Granada), with the aim of reconstructing the environmental conditions of these hominin sites. The LV coprolites are radiocarbon dated from c. 37,890 to 6980 cal yr BP, and the Car coprolites from c. 31,063 to 7861 cal yr BP. Overall, the palaeoecological scenario inferred from both coprolite series display similar patterns, with Pinus , Poaceae, and Artemisia as dominant during the full Pleistocene, and an important contribution of Quercus in the most recently dated coprolite samples. While the palynology is consistent with results of former investigations on the past environments in the region as obtained from other deposits (peat bogs, cave infills), the Late Glacial and Holocene chronology of several coprolites in both sites is in conflict with the generally accepted timing of extinction of Crocuta in western Europe. A discussion on the taphonomical processes and potential sources of carbon contamination of the radiocarbon samples is provided. The correlation between pollen from coprolites and from sedimentary records, and the paucity of the fossil bone record suggests nevertheless, that a late survival of Crocuta in southern Spain should not be categorically discarded. • New pollen analyses and radiocarbon dating on Crocuta coprolites from Las Ventanas (LV) and Carihuela (Car) Caves. • The palaeoecological scenario inferred from both coprolite series display similar patterns. • Timing of extinction of Crocuta in western Europe. • A late survival of Crocuta in southern Spain should not be categorically discarded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]