The fossil record of ungulates from the late Pleistocene locality of Melitzia cave, Mani Peninsula, Greece

Melitzia Cave is an Upper Pleistocene site located in Mani Peninsula, a region well known for the considerable number of caves containing fossiliferous deposits. Systematic excavations have revealed a significant number of skeletal remains of different Mammalia and Αves. The deposits have been dated between 46,448–44,553 BP and 11,150–10,680 BP and are grouped into seven units. The identified dominant species, including red deer (Cervus elaphus), fallow deer (Dama dama) and alpine ibex (Capra ibex), suggest adaptability to temperate and rocky habitats. Evidence of human presence is evident across the uppermost units of the Cave through recovered lithic artefacts. The cave was utilized for various activities, exhibiting varying intensities over time. Units VIa and VIb showcase a denser concentration of lithics, and faunal remains compared to lower units. The assemblage predominantly consists of artiodactyls, typical of butchery sites. The possible presence of two cold-adapted large mammals; cf. Megaloceros sp. and cf. Bison sp., that are associated with open grasslands and shrub-lands, indicate a shift to more arid conditions at about 24.5 ka BP, during the onset of the Last Glacial Maximum.