Late Glacial and Holocene small mammals of the Timan Ridge (Komi Republic, Russia)

Small mammal remains from five karst-type localities situated in the Southern and Middle Timan region are presented. Three different faunal assemblages from three succeeding phases are recognized. A cryohydrophilous faunal assemblage with desman (Desmana moschata) and predominantly Siberian lemming (Lemmus sibiricus) existed during the Bølling–Allerød interstadials. During the end of Younger Dryas, the fauna changed to cryoxerophilous communities with a predominance of collared lemming (Dicrostonyx sp.) and narrow-skulled vole (Microtus gregalis). The forest fauna is typical for the Late Holocene. Until the Early Holocene, the Middle Timan region was a refugium of Dicrostonyx populations characterized by archaic molar morphology.