Evidence of diverse animal exploitation during the Middle Paleolithic at Ghar-e Boof (southern Zagros)

Middle Paleolithic hominins in the Zagros Mountains of Iran exhibited more diverse hunting behaviors than previously documented, with evidence suggesting they exploited not only ungulates—particularly wild goats—but also carnivores and tortoises. This finding challenges the long-held assumption that their diets were predominantly limited to large prey due to environmental constraints or research bias. The study, conducted at Ghar-e Boof (dated to ∼81-45 kyr), employed comprehensive taphonomic analysis of a Late Pleistocene faunal assemblage, identifying anthropogenic bone surface modifications that confirm hominins as the primary agents of accumulation. While small game constituted a minor portion of their diet, this research reveals a broader dietary strategy akin to patterns observed elsewhere in Eurasia during this period.

Mata-González, M., Starkovich, B. M., Zeidi, M., & Conard, N. J. (2023). Evidence of diverse animal exploitation during the Middle Paleolithic at Ghar-e Boof (southern Zagros). Scientific Reports, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-45974-8