Open access article in JHE:

Multi-isotope zooarchaeological investigations at Abri du Maras: The paleoecological and paleoenvironmental context of Neanderthal
subsistence strategies in the Rhône Valley during MIS 3.

Abstract

The exploitation of mid- and large-sized herbivores (ungulates) was
central to hominin subsistence across Late Pleistocene Europe.
Reconstructing the paleoecology of prey-taxa is key to better
understanding procurement strategies, decisions and behaviors, and the
isotope analysis of faunal bones and teeth found at archaeological
sites represent a powerful means of accessing information about past
faunal behaviors. These isotope zooarchaeological approaches also have
a near-unique ability to reveal environmental conditions contemporary
to the human activities that produced these remains. Here, we present
the results of a multi-isotope, multitissue study of ungulate remains
from the Middle Paleolithic site of Abri du Maras, southern France,
providing new insights into the living landscapes of the Rhône Valley
during MIS 3 (level 4.2 = 55 +/- 2 to 42 ± 3 ka; level 4.1 = 46 +/- 3
to 40 +/- 3 ka). Isotope data (carbon, nitrogen) reveal the dietary
niches of different ungulate taxa, including the now-extinct giant
deer (Megaloceros). Oxygen isotope data are consistent with a mild
seasonal climate during level 4.2, where horse (Equus), bison (Bison),
and red deer (Cervus elaphus) were exploited year-round. Strontium and
sulfur isotope analyses provide new evidence for behavioral plasticity
in Late Pleistocene European reindeer (Rangifer) between level 4.2 and
level 4.1, indicating a change from the migratory to the sedentary
ecotype. In level 4.1, the strong seasonal nature of reindeer
exploitation, combined with their nonmigratory behavior, is consistent
with a seasonally restricted use of the site by Neanderthals at that
time or the preferential hunting of reindeer when in peak physical
condition during the autumn. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S004724842200152X

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)

"Multi-isotope zooarchaeological investigations at Abri du Maras:

the paleoecological and paleoenvironmental context of Neanderthal subsistence strategies in the Rhône Valley during MIS 3"
JHE open access
The exploitation of mid- & large-sized ungulates was central to hominin subsistence across Late-Pleistocene Europe.

:-DDD Empty statements: no kudu running, but horse running!

Reconstructing the paleo-ecology of prey-taxa is certainly no key to better understanding procurement strategies, decisions & behaviors,
the isotope analysis of faunal bones & teeth found at archaeological sites represent a powerful means of accessing info about past faunal behaviors.
These isotope zoo-archaeological approaches also have a near-unique ability to reveal environmental conditions contemporary to the human activities that produced these remains.
Here, we present the results of a multi-isotope, multi-tissue study of ungulate remains from the mid-Paleolithic site of Abri du Maras, S-France, providing new insights into the living landscapes of the Rhône Valley during MIS-3
(level-4.2 = 55-42 ka +- 2, level-4.1 = 46-40 ka +- 3).
- C* & N*isotopes reveal the dietary niches of different ungulates, incl.Megaloceros.
- O*isotopes are cons.x a mild seasonal climate during level-4.2, where Equus, Bison & Cervus elaphus were exploited year-round.
- Sr* & S*isotopes provide new evidence for behavioral plasticity in late-Pleistocene European Rangifer between level-4.2 & -4.1: a change from the migratory to the sedentary ecotype.
In level-4.1, the strong seasonal nature of reindeer exploitation + their non-migratory behavior is cons.x a seasonally restricted use of the site by Hn at that time, or the preferential hunting of reindeer when in peak physical condition during the
autumn.


IOW, this paper beautifully descries how these ungulates lived. Congratulations!
0 evidence of hunting.
:-DDD

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)

Neanderthal foraging in freshwater ecosystems:
a reappraisal of the Middle Paleolithic archaeological fish record from continental Western Europe
Quaternary Science Reviews 252, 106731
Marie-Hélène Moncel doi org/10.1016/j.quascirev.2020.106731

The prevalence of large game found in ass.x mid-Paleolithic tools has traditionally biased our ideas of Hn subsistence practices.
Studies document Hn exploitation of small mammals, birds & plants,
but data on aquatic resources are still scarce, and data on fish are almost non-existent.
This article presents a review of fish remains from 11 mid-Palaeolithic fish-bone assemblages from well contextualized sites in Belgium, France & Spain.
It explores the nature of the evidence to determine: did Hn fish? if so, was fishing a casual opportunistic activity? or a systematic practice?
The first issue to address is: do archaeological fish remains at any given site represent human activity or not?
Our study tests that assertion while enhancing our understanding of the diversity of food alternatives available to Hn at any given site, and their ability to adapt to them.
Methodological protocols include quantification, body mass & length estimations, and whenever possible, spatial distribution of fish remains, taphonomic analyses & inference of the season of death.
This methodology constitutes an analytical protocol to
- assess the contribution of fish to the Paleolithic diet,
- set apart human-generated fish deposits from those generated by alternative fish accumulators.
The evidence gathered so far points essentially to circumstantial fishing by Hn:
the question must necessarily remain open for the moment.
Some of the evidence (in particular the >1 kg fish in anthropogenic deposits & the absence of animal digestive traces & gnawing marks on fish bones in such deposits) seems compelling:
Hn could have played a role in the accumulation of some of these remains.

______

FWIW, I'd think Hn seasonally (salmon trek?) followed the rivers inland from the coast.
Hn had moderate POS (shallow-diving), ear exostoses (cold water), brains larger>Hs (LC-PUFAs) etc.
IOW, only incredible idiots believe Hn ran after ungulates.

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)