Neandertal foraging adaptations in Southwestern France: Implications of Mousterian faunal remains at Gatzarria Cave

This study describes Neandertal foraging adaptations at Gatzarria, a Middle to Upper Palaeolithic transition site in southwestern France, through an analysis of faunal remains from level Cj. Stratigraphic problems relating to the division of the Mousterian level Cj and Upper Palaeolithic industries at Gatzarria were encountered during this research. However, a new study of lithic index fossils indicated sufficient stratigraphic separation of the artifacts to permit the selection of a secure sample of Mousterian faunal remains. This sample suggests that red deer were by far the main species encountered near Gatzarria. However, even the lowest-ranked ungulate species, roe deer and chamois, were sometimes included in the maximum diet breadth. No small game component is in evidence. The long bone assemblage suggests less stringent culling decisions at kill sites relative to other late Mousterian sites. Utilization of marrow was intensive. The Gatzarria data conform with general patterns of resource use during the Mousterian in western France.;Keywords: Zooarchaeology, subsistence, foraging theory, Neandertals, Mousterian, Middle Palaeolithic, Gatzarria Cave, Atlantic Pyrenees...