Macromammalian faunas, biochronology and palaeoecology of the early Pleistocene Main Quarry hominin-bearing deposits of the Drimolen Palaeocave System, South Africa

A comprehensive analysis of the Drimolen Palaeocave System Main Quarry (DMQ) deposits reveals a diverse macromammalian fauna, including rare and significant species such as Megantereon whitei, Lycyaenops silberbergi, Dinofelis cf. barlowi, and Dinofelis aff. piveteaui, alongside hominin remains like Paranthropus robustus and early Homo. The study, based on 826 taxonomically identifiable specimens from over two decades of excavations, provides the first detailed description of non-primate macromammalian assemblages in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Biochronological interpretations suggest deposition occurred after 2.33 million years ago (Ma), with carnivore evidence indicating a range from pre-2.0 Ma to maximally 1.6 Ma. The palaeoecology points to mixed open-to-closed habitats, though specific habitat or age boundaries are not clearly defined.

Adams, J. W., Rovinsky, D. S., Herries, A. I. R., & Menter, C. G. (2016). Macromammalian faunas, biochronology and palaeoecology of the early Pleistocene Main Quarry hominin-bearing deposits of the Drimolen Palaeocave System, South Africa. PeerJ, 4, e1941. Portico. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.1941