Palaeoecological context for the last Neanderthals of inland Iberia: small mammals from Los Casares cave (Guadalajara, Spain)

Los Casares cave is a site in inland Iberia that preserves evidence of Late Pleistocene Neanderthal and carnivore occupations. In this paper, we report small mammal assemblages from layers C and BC of the “Seno A" cavity which date from MIS 3 (44–42 cal kyr BP). Taphonomic evidence suggests a mixed predator origin for the assemblage, with contributions from both mammalian carnivores and avian raptors. The presence of Cricetulus bursae, Pliomys coronensis, and Alexandromys oeconomus supports the Late Pleistocene age of the deposit. Our results show that the surrounding landscape was characterized by open areas with humid meadows, forest patches, and abundant water sources. Paleoclimatic reconstruction based on the study of small mammals indicates that the region experienced a relatively stable, warm, and humid typical temperate-Mediterranean ecotonal climate. Inferred temperatures were similar to those today for the area, while annual precipitation was slightly higher. These conditions would have provided a favourable setting for Neanderthal subsistence, offering diverse natural resources within a suitable climatic context. As such, our findings provide an updated palaeoenvironmental and palaeoclimatic framework for the last Neanderthals of inland Iberia.