Who let the hyenas out? Taphonomic analysis of the faunal assemblage from GL-1 of Cova del Gegant (Sitges, Spain)

Cova del Gegant has been subject of several publications, focused on the Neanderthal remains identified, stratigraphical context and small vertebrates. However, a systematic taphonomical research of the macro mammal assemblage has not been conducted yet. Here we present the archaeozoological analysis of the material recovered in two sectors (SG and J) adjacent to Gallery 1 (GL-1), which sediments yielded the Neanderthal mandible. Numerous evidences of carnivore involvement are observed in the assemblage, such as tooth marks, a significant quantity of hyena remains, coprolites and deciduous teeth. Their occurrences together with the topography of the passages suggest that humans were not the main agent responsible for the faunal accumulation. These passages seem to have acted as storage and breeding spaces for hyenas during the Upper Pleistocene.