Fossil micromammals from Gondolin GD2 (Early Pleistocene, South Africa)

Micromammal assemblages offer valuable insights into local palaeoenvironmental conditions and contribute to refining biochronological frameworks in the Cradle of Humankind (CoH), South Africa. This study presents the taxonomic, taphonomic, and palaeoecological analysis of micromammalian remains recovered from newly excavated in situ deposits at the Gondolin GD2 locality. A total of 372 cranio-dental elements representing at least 124 individuals were identified, comprising 19 taxa across five mammalian orders. Rodents dominate the assemblage (≈78% of MNI), with Mystromys and Otomys being the most abundant genera, accompanied by representatives of Muridae, Nesomyidae, Bathyergidae, and Gliridae. Other mammalian orders are represented by Macroscelididae (Macroscelidea), Soricidae (Eulipotyphla), Chiroptera, and Chrysochloridae (Afrosoricida). Taphonomic analyses reveal high fragmentation rates and pervasive manganese coatings, but a very low frequency and weak intensity of digestive etching on incisors. These patterns closely match modern barn owl (Tyto alba) assemblages, indicating accumulation primarily by a Category 1 nocturnal raptor. This accumulation mode appears consistent with other CoH micromammal assemblages, strengthening the reliability of inter-site faunal comparisons. Faunal composition indicates a landscape dominated by grassland and open savanna habitats, with localised wet or riverine environments suggested by the occurrence of Dasymys. Overall taxonomic similarities with other regional assemblages support a degree of ecological stability in the CoH during the Early Pleistocene. This assemblage provides a new data point for understanding micromammal palaeobiodiversity, site formation processes, and palaeoenvironmental dynamics in southern Africa.