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Natural events over time, and human interventions, influence the genetic structure of species. The red deer (Cervus elaphus) is widely distributed in Europe, with a large‐scale genetic structure largely determined by Pleistocene climatic oscillations. The Iberian Peninsula acted as one of the main glacial refuges for many species; a particular red deer lineage remains on the peninsula and is subjected to special conservation policies. The mountain range of the Pyrenees might be a contact zone where Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) could hybridize with other central European genetic lineages. In the late twentieth century, the natural distribution areas of red deer on both sides of the Pyrenees became closer because of restocking from central Iberia to areas south of the Pyrenees and from French populations to areas north of the Pyrenees. We analyzed the genetic structure of red deer populations in the Pyrenees to investigate the underlying processes of population contact and hybridization. The analysis of microsatellite genotypes showed 2 genetic clusters. One of these clusters associated with Iberian red deer, whereas the other presented European non‐Iberian genetic composition. Migration and hybridization events occurred between both genetic clusters, mostly in the eastern part of the sampling area. The Pyrenees is currently a secondary contact zone caused by anthropogenic translocations, and a risky hybrid belt for red deer genetic conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main problems arising in inland waterbodies is nutrient enrichment that accelerates eutrophication, causing massive cyanobacteria blooms and degrading aquatic ecosystems. This study focused on physical/chemical factors that affect cyanobacteria of 30 reservoirs in the Ebro River basin within the Iberian Peninsula of northeastern Spain. The abundance of cyanobacteria was assessed as total cell number, total biovolume, and the indicator pigment, total phycocyanin (PC). In addition, empirical measurements for PC were compared to PC estimated from remote sensing. Variables assessed for correlation with cyanobacteria abundance included temperature, pH, light availability inferred from Secchi depth, water residence time, total nitrogen, dissolved inorganic nitrogen, total phosphorus, soluble reactive phosphorus, silica, and total phytoplankton biomass as chlorophyll a. These variables were also assessed with a multi-statistical principal component analysis for relationships with cyanobacteria abundance. Cyanobacteria cell number and biovolume were positively correlated with temperature, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and water residence time, and negatively correlated with silica. High PC concentrations were documented in the reservoirs, and satellite images from remote sensing showed the PC spatial distribution and heterogeneity in the reservoirs. The PCA results show that some variables, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, are closely related to the abundance of cyanobacteria, while other variables such as silica do not show a clear relationship. This study contributes to the knowledge base about inland waterbodies from a physical/chemical perspective, which had not been done before in the Ebro Basin, including the application of analytic tools such as remote sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The major river basins of the Iberian Peninsula that drain towards the Atlantic coast contain extensive Lower Palaeolithic (Acheulean) records associated with well-preserved fluvial terrace sequences. These open-air archaeological records are often difficult to constrain chronologically due to a lack of suitable material for dating (e.g., faunal remains) or because their Middle Pleistocene antiquity precludes the use of otherwise routinely applicable geochronometric techniques such as conventional optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating. As a result, many important Iberian Acheulean sites lack precise and accurate chronologies, and their existing temporal frameworks are based solely on morphostratigraphic correlations with regional fluvial terrace systems. Here we present the first application of extended-range luminescence dating – namely multi-grain post-infrared infrared stimulated luminescence (pIR-IRSL) dating of K-feldspars and single-grain thermally transferred-OSL (TT-OSL) dating of quartz – to a series of terrace sequences in the Duero basin (central sector) and Guadiana basin, as well as associated Lower Palaeolithic sites of La Maya I, II and III along the Tormes River, Burganes (and related sites) along the Tera River, and Albalá along the Guadiana River. Additionally, we present results of a parallel electron spin resonance (ESR) quartz dating study of the Tormes River terrace (Duero basin), which has been undertaken independently on the same samples to enable stratigraphically paired dating comparisons. Our study indicates that sedimentary quartz from this sector of the Duero basin produces very weak TT-OSL signals, variable Al signal repeatability and below-average Ti signal fitting uncertainties, though it is still possible to determine consistent comparative ages using the measurements protocols employed here. For samples where both pIR-IRSL and TT-OSL signals were measured, the paired luminescence dating ages are in agreement at 1σ. Agreement between the quartz ESR and TT-OSL ages is also observed for one sample from the Tormes River. However, the ESR signals (both Al and Ti) of a second sample showed insufficient bleaching and age overestimation in comparison to the paired TT-OSL dataset. Comparison of our latest dating results with published chronological datasets point to some fluvial terraces of the Duero basin potentially having diachronous formation histories. Despite this, our combined chronological results show that the terrace systems are chronologically ordered and suggest that, regionally, the +8 to +34 m terraces likely post-date marine isotope stage (MIS) 10, whilst the +50 m terraces formed prior to, or during, MIS 10. The related Acheulean sites that contain lithic material in stratigraphic position are dated to MIS 9–7 (193–314 ka at 2σ age range), and temporally overlap with the early Middle Palaeolithic records in the Duero basin, also dated here to MIS 8–7 (or 159–259 ka at 2σ). Our results are consistent with previous observations regarding the chronological overlap of these two technologies in the region, and support the possibility of a non-linear pattern of replacement for the Acheulean in the Iberian Peninsula during the Lower to Middle Palaeolithic transition. • Paired single-grain TT-OSL and multi-grain pIR-IRSL 225 ages agree for all samples. • Luminescence and quartz ESR dating ages in agreement for some samples. • Low to mid elevation fluvial terraces (+8 to +34 m) formed after MIS10. • +50 m fluvial terraces formed prior to, or during, MIS 10. • Acheulean to early Middle Palaeolithic transition likely followed non-linear pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characteristics of the Filomena storm and its impact on the trees of Madrid are analysed using synoptic maps, centuries-old snowfall data and satellite images at different scales (Terra MODIS, Landsat 8 and Sentinel 2). This historical snowfall affected half the surface of the Iberian Peninsula in January 2021, and its consequences were aggravated by the persistence of the subsequent anticyclonic situation, which kept surface temperatures in Madrid between -13 ºC and -2.5 ºC. The impact on the woodland, measured with images of changes in the NDVI, affected 11% of the winter vegetation cover of Madrid, with very notable damages to Pinus pinea, P. halepensis and Quercus ilex, both in the urban roads and in the city’s many parks, gardens and forest spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studying lithic raw material sourcing, processing and distribution is helpful when trying to reconstruct the territory, ecology, and cultural practices of Neanderthal groups. The use of multiple methods in such analyses allows for more refined characterizations to be made, helping to distinguish between materials better than any single method. Although 85% of the raw materials making up the Mousterian assemblage at the Navalmaíllo Rock Shelter (Pinilla del Valle, Madrid Region of Spain) correspond to the available local geological resources, 10% is made of white/beige chert, which is not registered in regional geological cartography. Petrographic and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy analyses were performed to determine the origin of this white/beige chert and thus shed light on the procurement strategies of the Neanderthal groups that occupied the rock shelter. The results show this chert to correspond to three different types of rock: quartz–kaolinite rocks from dykes, cretaceous marine cherts, and quartz fillings of cavities/fractures. These findings are in accordance with the geological features and formations present in the Lozoya valley, as recorded during a geoarchaeological survey, and indicate that the Neanderthals occupying the center of the Iberian Peninsula possessed a detailed knowledge of the landscape that allowed them to exploit its resources during MIS5a–early MIS4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a significant number of funerary contexts for the Early Neolithic in the Iberian Peninsula, and the body of information is much larger for the Late Neolithic. In contrast, the archaeological information available for the period in between (ca. 4800-4400/4200 cal BC) is scarce. This period, generally called Middle Neolithic, is the least well-known of the peninsular Neolithic sequence, and at present there is no specific synthesis on this topic at the peninsular scale. In 2017, an exceptional funerary context was discovered at Dehesilla Cave (Sierra de Cádiz, Southern Iberian Peninsula), providing radiocarbon dates which place it at the beginning of this little-known Middle Neolithic period, specifically between ca. 4800–4550 cal BC. Locus 2 is a deposition constituted by two adult human skulls and the skeleton of a very young sheep/goat, associated with stone structures and a hearth, and a number of pots, stone and bone tools and charred plant remains. The objectives of this paper are, firstly, to present the new archaeological context documented at Dehesilla Cave, supported by a wide range of data provided by interdisciplinary methods. The dataset is diverse in nature: stratigraphic, osteological, isotopic, zoological, artifactual, botanical and radiocarbon results are presented together. Secondly, to place this finding within the general context of the contemporaneous sites known in the Iberian Peninsula through a systematic review of the available evidence. This enables not only the formulation of explanations of the singular new context, but also to infer the possible ritual funerary behaviours and practices in the 5th millennium cal BC in the Iberian Peninsula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large proportion of the Lower Palaeolithic (Acheulean) records from the Iberian Peninsula are associated with fluvial archives located in the major river basins of the Duero, Tajo and Guadiana drainage systems. Unfortunately, these open-air archaeological records are often difficult to constrain chronologically due to a lack of suitable material for dating (e.g., faunal remains) or because their Middle Pleistocene antiquity precludes the use of otherwise applicable geochronometric techniques, such as optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating of sedimentary silicates. As a result, many important Acheulean sites lack precise and accurate chronologies, and their existing temporal frameworks are based solely on morphostratigraphic correlations with regional fluvial terrace systems. The Lower Palaeolithic (Acheulean) sites of La Maya I, II and Burganes are located in the western sector of the northern Meseta (Spain), within the Duero drainage system. The La Maya I (+6-8 and +14 m above river level) and II (+34 m) sites and the Burganes sites (+16-20 m and +34 m) are situated on the middle terraces of the Tormes and Tera rivers, respectively. Further to the south, the Acheulean site of Albalá is associated with a terrace (+8 m) of the Guadiana River. This study reports on the first application of extended-range luminescence dating, namely multi-grain infrared stimulated luminescence (post IR-IRSL) dating of K-feldspars and single-grain thermally transferred- OSL (TT-OSL) dating of quartz, to these Lower Palaeolithic sites and/or associated fluvial terraces from central-west Spain. An additional quartz ESR age was obtained for a sample from one of the Tormes River terraces to carry out a multi-method age assessment. We report on the suitability of these luminescence signals for dating the Middle Pleistocene deposits, which have been tested via a series of quality assurance criteria (signal composition, dose recovery tests, bleaching tests, sensitivity correction assessments). The resultant chronologies are presented and used to assess (i) the accuracy of existing chronostratigraphic frameworks developed for these sites, and (ii) the wider implications for understanding Acheulean occupation patterns in the Iberian Peninsula more broadly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Middle Pleistocene sites that document glacials are relatively rare in the Iberian Peninsula, and as such, the composition of cold small-vertebrate assemblages is almost unknown in southwestern Mediterranean Europe. The archaeological site Estanque de Tormentas de Butarque H-02 in Villaverde, Madrid, in central Spain, recently attributed to Marine Oxygen Isotope Stage (MIS) 6, provides new data on cold small-vertebrate assemblages. Quantitative climate reconstruction and habitat weighting methods applied to the herpetofaunal assemblage reconstruct the terrestrial climatic and environmental conditions that prevailed in central Spain during the penultimate glacial (MIS 6). During MIS 6, the climate was colder (-3.0°C) and slightly wetter (+122.8 mm) than present in the study area. This confirms that temperature variations were not extreme and precipitation was sufficient in southern Mediterranean Europe for the persistence of temperate trees. Paleoenvironmental reconstruction suggests a large representation of dry environments on the overlying plateau, together with a probable corridor of humid meadows and woodlands along the river where the site is located. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two clearly differentiated techno-complexes can be recognised in the Iberian Peninsula during the second half of the Middle Pleistocene: the Acheulean and the Middle Palaeolithic. In this paper we present the current state of research on both technological entities, and propose that they represent two different industrial traditions. The Acheulean, a techno-complex that originated and developed in Africa, is considered to have reached Western Europe via Gibraltar, and developed only to a limited extent. In contrast, relict populations with a different technological tradition would have been present on the European continent since the late Early Pleistocene and developed a technological tradition was based on the development of chaînes operatoire of débitage . From MIS 10 on these industries had reached a high degree of complexity and diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red deer populations in the Iberian glacial refugium were the main source for postglacial recolonization and subspecific radiation in north-western Europe. However, the phylogenetic history of Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) and its relationships with northern European populations remain uncertain. Here, we study DNA sequences at the mitochondrial control region along with STR markers for over 680 specimens from all the main red deer populations in Spain and other west European areas. Our results from mitochondrial and genomic DNA show contrasting patterns, likely related to the nature of these types of DNA markers and their specific processes of change over time. The results, taken together, bring support to two distinct, cryptic maternal lineages for Iberian red deer that predated the last glacial maximum and that have maintained geographically well differentiated until present. Haplotype relationships show that only one of them contributed to the northern postglacial recolonization. However, allele frequencies of nuclear markers evidenced one main differentiation between Iberian and northern European subspecies although also supported the structure of both matrilines within Iberia. Thus, our findings reveal a paraphyletic nature for Iberian red deer but also its genetic identity and differentiation with respect to northern subspecies. Finally, we suggest that maintaining the singularity of Iberian red deer requires preventing not only restocking practices with red deer specimens belonging to other European populations but also translocations between both Iberian lineages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cueva del Camino site ( Pinilla del Valle, Madrid, Spain) is located in the upper valley of the Lozoya River in the Sierra de Guadarrama, a mountain range extending NE−SW within the Central Range System. Due to its location within a mountain range on the central Iberian Peninsula at an altitude of 1114 m a.s.l. and the numerical dating of its sediments, the palaeontological site of Cueva del Camino has proved a highly relevant location for studying the ecological changes linked to the climatic fluctuations at the end of Marine Isotope Stage ( MIS) 5 and the beginning of MIS 4. Environmental reconstructions suggest a rather open, patchy landscape throughout the succession, with abundant evidence of dry meadows, scrublands and rocky habitats. The climate can be considered as generally warm, reaching mean annual temperatures ( MATs) of up to 13.8° C (i.e. higher than today's by up to 2.9° C). Three cooler events can be seen throughout the succession as reflected by the presence of Rana iberica, Anguis fragilis and Coronella austriaca. The first of these events may correlate with MIS 5b; the second in the Central sector may correlate with the Stadial I pollen event occurring at the end of MIS 5a; and the third event, corresponding to the coldest MAT of the entire succession with MATs 0.9° C lower than today's, may correspond to the transition from MIS 5a to MIS 4. The evolution of mean annual precipitation ( MAP) is characterized by warm periods, drier and cold periods, as well as wetter periods (up to +356 mm compared to today's MAP values), similar to what occurs today in the high-elevation areas of the neighbouring mountains. Our study gives new quantitative estimations for the climatic fluctuations in mountain environments of central Spain at the MIS 5/4 transition and their associated ecological changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new species of Typhlocharis (Carabidae: Anillini) are described from the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula, assigned to the baetica species group. T. prima sp.n., T. secunda sp.n. and T. tertia sp.n. (from La Palma del Condado, Huelva, Spain) are syntopic, and T. quarta sp.n. (from Barrancos, Beja, Portugal) is the first species of the group with umbilicate series 4 + 4. They represent, respectively, the southernmost and westernmost distribution data for the group. The baetica group remains well defined and includes ten species. The diagnosis is simplified, with the confirmation that many morphological features characteristic of this group are widespread within the genus. The defining character is the presence of denticles in apical margin of elytra, not associated to the seventh stria or to the elytral suture. The new species provide morphological data that suggest the baetica and silvanoides groups are closely related. Distribution of both groups in the south of the Iberian Peninsula and the presence of morphological characters that are considered plesiomorphic are coherent with the hypothesis of betic-riffain origin of the genus. They also support the hypothesis of easy alteration of the umbilicate pattern between closely related species and the independent origin of apical denticles in the group compared with those present in other species of the genus. The presence of three well-differentiated size ranges in syntopic populations suggest ecological diversification to avoid interspecific competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The fluvial deposits of the rivers on the Atlantic side of the Iberian Peninsula preserve a number of locations with Acheulean industry, frequently without associated fauna. These remains are especially concentrated on middle terraces, which can be dated to about MIS 11. The most common raw material is quartzite and these industries are characterized by the presence of bifaces, cleavers and tools made from medium and large rock flakes (>10 cm). The technological characteristics of these Acheulean localities and their chronological separation from the recognised human occupation of the Peninsula during the Lower Pleistocene (Atapuerca, Guadix-Baza depression, Murcia) by some 500 ka or more, support the possible African origin of the European Middle Pleistocene Acheulean techno-complex and the hypothesis that Gibraltar was the access route. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article evaluates the regional geodiversity of Iberian Peninsula through the development of a geographic information system (GIS) procedure. Study shows a close relationship between some index values and the geological and geomorphological characteristics. The highest diversity values are linked with Alpine collisional orogens and reactivated chains of the Precambrian-Paleozoic massif. It associates major diversity with the most dissected basins, presenting higher morphoclimatic variety.

The article presents a study which compared data of Iberian red deer stags hunted in commercial monterías and in selective monterías in Southern Iberian Peninsula in Cordova, Spain. The study used data gathered from animals shot in monterías and in selective culling of the type selective monterías conducted in hunting estates as part of their normal game management during the hunting seasons 2004-2005 and 2005-2006. It compared the age, body and antler size of red deer stages in commercial monterías and in selective monterías.

Remote sensing is an appropriate tool for water management. It allows the study of some of the main sources of pollution, such as cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms. These species are increasing due to eutrophication and the adverse effects of climate change. This leads to water quality loss, which has a major impact on the environment, including human water supplies, which consequently require more expensive purification processes. The application of satellite remote sensing images as bio-optical tools is an effective way to monitor and control phycocyanin concentrations, which indicate the presence of cyanobacteria. For this study, 90 geo-referenced phycocyanin measurements were performed in situ, using a Turner C3 Submersible Fluorometer and a laboratory spectrofluorometer, both calibrated with phycocyanin standard, in water bodies of the Iberian Peninsula. These samples were synchronized with Sentinel-2 satellite orbit. The images were processed using Sentinel Application Program software and corrected with the Case 2 Regional Coast color-extended atmospheric correction tool. To produce algorithms that would help to obtain the phycocyanin concentration from the reflectance measured by the multispectral instrument sensor of the satellite, the following band combinations were tested, among others: band 665 nm, band 705 nm, and band 740 nm. The samples were equally divided: half were used for the algorithm's calibration, and the other half for its validation. With the best adjustment, the algorithm was made more robust and accurate through a recalculation, obtaining a determination coefficient of 0.7, a Root Mean Square Error of 8.1 µg L−1, and a Relative Root Mean Square Error of 19%. In several reservoirs, we observed alarming phycocyanin concentrations that may trigger many environmental health problems, as established by the World Health Organization. Remote sensing provides a rapid monitoring method for the temporal and spatial distribution of these cyanobacteria blooms to ensure good preventive management and control, in order to improve the environmental quality of inland waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Miño River is one of the main Atlantic basins of Iberia and preserves extensive Pleistocene deposits. However, there is presently limited information concerning the first human occupation history of this region. Existing research undertaken across the region has identified a significant number of Large Flake Acheulean (LFA) sites with African affinities. These sites are associated with former fluvial environments and are now preserved as a sequence of fluvial terraces along the Miño River, located between relative elevations of + 40 m and + 20 m, and dated to between Marine Isotope Stages (MIS) 9 and 6. The chronological range and observed technological patterns are similar to those recognised in other areas of South western Europe, particularly the central Iberian Peninsula and Aquitanian region (France) during the second half of the Middle Pleistocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Miño River basin represents one of the main fluvial catchments draining the Atlantic side of the Iberian Peninsula. The extensive sedimentary deposits of this basin have been documented since the 19th century, but limited research has been undertaken on these features historically, and the Quaternary record of the basin has remained understudied until recently. Research carried out over the last decade on the Spanish margin of the Miño River has enabled more detailed classification and mapping of the main fluvial landforms, as well as numerical (luminescence, electron spin resonance, cosmogenic) dating of some of the deposits associated with Palaeolithic archaeological sites. Here we synthesise the existing Quaternary fluvial record for the basin, and present new geospatial and chronological analyses for the lower catchment area. Our latest examination has enabled the identification of nine fluvial terrace levels and other regionally significant sedimentary features (e.g., alluvial fans) formed in response to tectonics, eustatic changes and associated global climate changes. The chronological data and calculated incision rates indicate that the various fluvial terraces were formed during the Early to Late Pleistocene. Numerous Palaeolithic sites have been found in association with the middle terrace levels (between +40 and +13 m above present-day river level). Primarily, these archaeological sites preserve assemblages that feature large flake Acheulean (LFA) tools, though a number of Middle Palaeolithic sites have also been documented. Direct dating of these sites, together with morphostratigraphic correlations across the terrace system, suggest that the basin has been extensively occupied by human populations during the last 300 thousand years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New investigations carried out over the last few years in the Madrid Tertiary basin have revealed a large number of Acheulean sites used for the exploitation of flint. The find is significantly important because it adds context to the understanding of the intense human activity in the central parts of the Iberian Peninsula during the middle Pleistocene. The sites are spread across an extensive zone of 500 ha; Set on a vast platform on the watershed between the Manzanares and Jarama rivers. The Tertiary sedimentary succession that forms the surface of the platform is comprised of about 20 m of thick green clay interbedded with several layers of flint from the Miocene Intermediate unit of the Madrid basin. During the second half of the Middle Pleistocene, seasonal flows of streams eroded the clay, leaving large numbers of flint nodules visible to the hominids. Investigations show a sustained period of active quarrying, with much of the liberated material converted into hand crafted flint axes (Through the direct manipulation of the flint nodules). The find is valuable especially due to STI exceptional state of preservation; fossilized by sandy fluvial deposits, whose sedimentation is controlled by complex localised subsidences caused by karstic processes. The current study provides geoarchaeological background and explores different models for the formation of the sites and provides a preliminary analysis of the main Acheulean assemblages and techniques for working flint nodules. The research also adds a new, rich perspective to our understanding of the region and the organized human exploitation of raw materials in the Acheulean period. The study complements the well-known river terrace sites in the wider area showing the intensity and prevalence of flint extraction and use during the period, and the handaxe tradition typology of the Madrid region (Pérez de Barradas, 1924, 1929; Santonja et al., 1980; Rus y Querol, 1981; Rus y Vega, 1984; VVAA, 2002; Baena et al., 2010 ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neanderthals have been claimed to have had a selective adaptation to rugged, wooded landscapes that would have partially compensate their high basal metabolic rate and locomotor energetic costs through reducing search time and increasing diet breadth. The archaeological site of the Navalmaíllo rockshelter (Pinilla del Valle, Madrid), located in a mountain environment in central Iberian Peninsula, has been interpreted as a repeated short-term occupation hunting camp by Neanderthal groups, mainly focused on primary access to large bovids and cervids. Navalmaíllo rockshelter has also furnished fish, toads, frogs, tortoises, lizards and snakes remains. This association of amphibians and reptiles suggests a much warmer climate (+2.8 °C) for layer F than at present, with similar temperatures during the summer but higher temperatures throughout the remaining months. Rainfall was slightly more abundant (+180.6 mm) than today, with a more contrasted regime during the year, with rainier winters and drier summers. A two-month period of aridity is observed during summer, representing a similar duration to present-day climatic conditions. Reconstructed landscapes are mainly constituted by open areas with dry grassland and rocky or stony areas, evolving laterally to humid meadows, probably close to the aquatic and peri-aquatic areas, such as rivers or ponds with riverside vegetation. Woodland environments are also well represented around the site, with medium scrublands to forest formations. Fish complete this reconstruction by documenting the presence of a pre-mountain well-developed river system characterized by relatively cold, permanent, oxygen-rich, and running waters. Such reconstruction is in disagreement with previous pollen interpretation for Layer F that suggested a very open and cold environment. Our new interpretation suggests that the Neanderthal occupation of the Navalmaíllo rockshelter occurred during a somewhat temperate and humid period, probably within the later part of the Marine Isotope Stage 5, effectively favouring the presence of a high biodiversity around the site. • Neanderthal paleoecology from the Navalmaíllo rockshelter is revisited. • Amphibians and reptiles suggest warm and humid climate conditions. • Woodland environments are well represented around the site. • Such reconstruction is in disagreement with previous pollen-based interpretation. • Neanderthal occupation was favored by the presence of a high biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The fossil assemblage from the Camino Cave, corresponding to the late MIS 5, constitutes a key record to understand the faunal composition of Central Iberia during the last Interglacial. Moreover, the largest Iberian fallow deer fossil population was recovered here. Other ungulate species present at this assemblage include red deer, roe deer, aurochs, chamois, wild boar, horse and steppe rhinoceros; carnivores and Neanderthals are also present. The origin of the accumulation has been interpreted as a hyena den. Abundant fallow deer skeletal elements allowed to statistically compare the Camino Cave fossils with other Pleistocene and Holocene European populations. The morphological comparison of the dentition and morphometrical analyses of the metapodials suggest that the fallow deer from the Camino Cave are closer to the subspecies Dama dama geiselana and Dama dama tiberina than to the recent Dama dama dama. Estimations of the age at death in several fallow deer young individuals provided information on seasonality, suggesting that the cave was occupied by the hyenas almost all year round. The ungulate composition provides a clear example of an interglacial faunal complex which agrees with the published pollen, charcoal and small vertebrate data that indicate a continental Mediterranean climate. This interglacial character was also registered at other Iberian MIS 5 sequences coming from the Mediterranean margin. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The interior of the Iberian Peninsula has few Middle Palaeolithic sites, especially when compared to other areas of the Mediterranean Basin and the northern Spanish region. Few in number too are the zooarchaeological and taphonomic studies that throw light on the relationships between Neanderthal groups, their environment, and the use they made of it. The present work examines, both zooarchaeologically and taphonomically, the faunal remains of levels F and D of the Navalmaíllo Rock Shelter (Pinilla del Valle, Madrid, Spain) - the largest collection of such remains ever studied from the Iberian interior. The results allow this site to be interpreted as a Neanderthal hunting camp where occupations were short-term. Neanderthal people were the main agents that accumulated the site's faunal remains - largely those of large bovids and to a lesser extent medium-sized cervids. The activity of carnivores was also identified, but these animals mostly left behind the remains of small prey or fed upon carcasses abandoned at the camp by human hunters. • Navalmaíllo Rock Shelter has been interpreted as a Neanderthal hunting camp. • All phases of butchery were identified, along with the extraction of bone marrow. • Bovines and cervids are the more common taxa in the assemblage. • There is a low degree of competition between hominins and large carnivores. • The faunal assemblage was little affected by post-depositional processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]