Restos esqueléticos de osos (Ursus arctos y Ursus spelaeus) en el oriente de la Región Cantábrica. Distribución geográfica y análisis biométrico

Abstract

In this paper is presented a paleontological assemblage recovered in thirty-four cavities located in Alava-Araba (northern Spain). These remains were collected during four decades, from 1968 to 2014 by Mario Laurino, a local amateur. Total amount of bone fragments rise up to 5.500 fragments. This paper includes the taxonomic and biometric analysis of 4930 (NISP) bone remains, representing 84 (MNI) Ursus arctos Linneo and 142 (MNI) Ursus spelaeus Rosenmüller-Heinroth from Upper Pleistocene and Early Holocene. We have explained geographical distribution and described taxonomical distribution of those caves with a set of remains higher than 100 remains (NISP). Thereafter, a regional comparative analysis have been developed, based on four dental elements, canines (CI, Cs) and fourth premolars (P4, P4), with comparative purposes have been included biometrical data from multiple bear remains found in cavities of the region (eastern Cantabrian Mountain Range and Iberian Mountains) and previously published by us and other researchers. Furthermore, a brief taphonomical description is included, with a description of modifications produced by bears, as punctures on long bones, or pathological diseased who affected bears mobility. Finally, first aim of this study has been to get as much information available from a collection made from a selected sample without paleontological or archaeological criteria. However, through the accurate analysis of this sample, we have obtained some relevant results for a better understanding of the palaeo-environment and especially bears (Ursus arctos and Ursus spelaeus) population distribution and composition in Cantabrian Mountains during Upper Pleistocene and early Holocene.