Paleoecology and anthropozoology

The subterranean environment of Chauvet Cave contains a wide range of features relating to human and animal activity, both past and present. The remnants of their activities on the ground or on the walls, as well as the composition of the faunal spectra and taphonomic processes, reflect alternating visits by different communities or interactions, whether trophic or symbolic.

The aim of this session is to provide an opportunity for multidisciplinary exchange and discussion, covering prehistory and more recent periods, anthropology and the ecology of modern large mammals, in relation to the underground environment and its implications for understanding Paleolithic worlds. Based on original observations in the field, studies of museum collections, and methodological developments, contributions are expected that provide a cross-cutting view of the use of the subterranean environment.

Keywords: archaeozoology; human-animal interactions; paleontology; taphonomy; traceology.