Micromammal Taphonomy in the Site of Ohalo II (19 Ky., Jordan Valley)

Micromammals are readily used to reconstruct the paleoenvironment of prehistoric and geological sites. Taphonomic analysis is crucial to remove biases due to differential deposition and accumulation processes. The submerged site of Ohalo II, Jordan Valley (radio-metrically dated to 19400 BP) was chosen as a case study for micromammal taphonomy research in an open-air Early Epipaleolithic site. The excavated remains include brush huts, several hearths and a human burial. Preservation of in-situ organic remains is excellent. Remains of five micromammal species were found at the site: Microtus guentheri (social vole), Meriones tristrami (Tristram's jird), Mus cf. macedonicus (house mouse), Rattus rattus (black rat) and Erinacaeus europaeus (European hedgehog). The taphonomic study suggests that post-depositional process such as trampling altered the assemblage to such a degree that it prohibits the recognition of the origin of deposition.