Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.4154/gc.2025.11

Taphonomy of the alpine marmot (Marmota marmota) remains from the Late Pleistocene deposits of the East Brina Cave, Croatia

Ankica Oros Sršen orcid.org/0009-0002-3246-7791 ; Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Zagreb, Croatia
Vibor Novak orcid.org/0000-0001-9192-7597 ; Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Zagreb, Croatia *
Rahela Šanjek ; Varaždin, Croatia

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

The Late Pleistocene deposits of the East and West Brina Caves near Drniš have yielded one of the largest collections of alpine marmot (Marmota marmota LINNAEUS, 1758) remains in Croatia. A total of 425 skeletal remains were recovered, with 411 originating from the East Brina Cave. Taphonomic analysis of this assemblage reveals that multiple factors influenced the accumulation and preservation of marmot remains. While natural mortality, most probably, was the primary cause, secondary agents such as predation by small carnivores,
particularly martens and foxes, played a significant role. Additionally, a small number of bones bear cut marks, suggesting the occasional human exploitation of alpine marmots by Palaeolithic hunters. Bone surface modifications indicate that many remains were exposed before burial. These finds provide insights into the Late Pleistocene alpine marmot ecological dynamics, and human subsistence strategies in southeastern Europe.

Keywords

alpine marmot; taphonomy; skeletal elements; Brina Caves; Late Pleistocene

Hrčak ID:

333030

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/333030

Publication date:

30.6.2025.

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