Using small mammals to reconstruct the climatic context of the late pleistocene Lagar Velho Rockshelter (Leiria, Portugal).

Abstract

To reconstruct the climatic conditions of the Lagar Velho rockshelter during the late Pleistocene, we applied the bioclimatic model to the rodent assemblages, mainly composed of the vole species Arvicola sapidus, Microtus arvalis, Microtus agrestis, Microtus (Terricola) lusitanicus and Microtus (Iberomys) cabrerae and the field mouse Apodemus sylvaticus. Based on the distribution of these species by layers and percentages, considering different climate-types, and applying a series of functions, it was possible to estimate the mean annual temperature (MAT), the mean temperature of the coldest month (MTC), the mean temperature of the warmest month (MTW) and the mean annual precipitation (MAP). For comparative purposes, the resulting parameters were compared with climate data obtained for the last 30 years from nearby meteorological stations in order to attain averages and observe climatic fluctuations. The climatic parameters were then compared with the Köppen-Geiger classification in order to contrast our data with the current climate-types. Finally, we combined the results with chronological and environmental information to produce a climate framework within Marine Isotope Stage 2 (MIS 2).