Abstract:

The Listvenka site is located in the Upper Yenisei, Siberia, Russia, on the right bank (the second terrace) of this largest river in the Arctic Ocean system. Its geographical coordinates measure 55°35′22″N, 85°46′24″E. It is an important Upper Palaeolithic site in Siberia with numerous unearthed cultural remains including microlithic assemblages and bone artefacts. Layer 7 of the site dates back to ca. 13.59-15.00 kaBP. There has identified 3 Mogera robusta individuals fossil material for study through MNI calculation. This discovery suggests its paleoenvironment was under continental monsoon climate with comparative abundant precipitation and distribution of woodland mixed with taiga forest and broad-leaf forest, rather than occupied by tundra-forest and cold tundra-steppe as that had presumed. It provided a good ecological environment and supported a diversity of fauna species, including mollusc, small mammal and large mammal. The study on Mogera robusta specimens of Listvenka site indicates the possibility for the hominin capturing large moles as an important food supplement during the harsh and long Siberian winter. It plays a vital role in the in-depth analysis of hominin cultural exchange, physical evolution and adaption to the cold environment in Asia. It provides significant research material for the study of the Talpidae family’s origin and evolution as well.

Key words: Mogera robusta, Listvenka site, Zooarchaeology, Siberia