A University of Cantabria study based on the Axlor site reveals that Neanderthals inhabited temperate forests between 100,000 and 50,000 years ago.
The research analyzed 33 sediment samples collected since 2019 at Axlor, in Dima (Bizkaia). It identified nearly 9,000 plant microremains that reconstruct a landscape dominated by a temperate Atlantic forest.
The results show that forest cover persisted even during cold phases, with species such as oaks, hazels, birches and lindens. Constant humidity and water courses maintained a resource-rich environment.
Talía Lazuen, a UC researcher, stated that the data demonstrate Neanderthals’ ability to inhabit wooded and temperate ecosystems. Sebastián Pérez-Díaz highlighted the quality of the palynological record for studying the Middle Paleolithic.