engleski

Comparison of two avifaunal assemblages from different parts of eastern Adriatic coast, Croatia

The Adriatic basin experienced dramatic environmental changes during the Late Glacial period (ca. 20, 000 -11, 500 cal yr BP), in particular owing to sea level rise. The impact of these changes on the palaeoecology and past human subsistence is examined through a comparison of Late Glacial avifauna from two Palaeolithic sites on the Croatian coast – fossil cave Šandalja on peninsula of Istria (NW) and cave Vela Spila on island of Korčula (SE). Although the SE part of the basin was affected first, the change in geography was relatively slight owing to the steep coastline and relatively small size of the exposed plain. The NW part of Adriatic basin, in contrast, suffered significant change, a loss of great plain during Late Glacial because of sea level rise, slightly later in time (end of MIS 2 and beginning of MIS 1). Bird bones were taxonomically and taphonomically analyzed in order to examine deposition processes, human use and palaeoenvironment changes in the context of these geographic contrasts. We recorded human use of birds at both sites as well as confirmed differences in avifauna composition due to different geographic positions. In the context of these geographic contrasts species indicative for rocky environment were significant in Vela spila and species common for humid and steppe environment in Šandalja.

avifauna; Late glacial; Eastern Adriatic; Croatia

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