Kilu Cave Fauna: Ancient Diet and Biodiversity on Buka Island
The archaeological records of Kilu Cave provide a fascinating window into the prehistoric environment and dietary habits of its early inhabitants. By analyzing a vast assemblage of animal remains, researchers have determined that the people of Kilu Cave relied on a diverse array of terrestrial and marine resources, with the majority of recovered bones resulting from human predation.
Key Facts
- Dietary Diversity: Inhabitants consumed a wide range of mammals, reptiles, birds, fish, and shellfish.
- Mammalian Dominance: Rodents and bats were the most prevalent mammalian remains.
- Marine Resources: Sharks were the most common fish remains, with a mix of reef and pelagic species.
- New Discoveries: Two previously unknown rat species, Solomys spriggsarum and Melomys spechti, were identified.
- Environmental Impact: The arrival of the Lapita culture coincided with the extinction and extirpation of various local bird and mammal species.
Terrestrial Wildlife and Mammals
The land-based diet at Kilu Cave was varied, consisting primarily of mammals and reptiles. Among the mammals, rodents were the most frequent finds, followed by bats. The reptilian remains were dominated by lizards—specifically varanids (monitor lizards) and skinks, with some agamids—alongside snakes, turtles, and frogs.
Avian remains also played a significant role in the site's biodiversity. A total of 77 bird bones were recovered, representing 18 different species of landbirds. Of these, 11 species have since been extirpated (locally extinct) from Buka Island, and 7 are either unspecified or entirely extinct.
Notably, the site revealed five species of rats endemic to the Solomon Islands. This includes the identification of two new species from fossil remains: Solomys spriggsarum and Melomys spechti.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Marine Resources and Fishing
The inhabitants of Kilu Cave heavily exploited the surrounding waters, gathering both shellfish and fish. The shell assemblage was dominated by two species: Nerita undata and Nerita plicata.
The fish remains indicate a sophisticated use of different marine zones. While reef fish made up the bulk of the catch, approximately 20% of the fish bones from the Pleistocene layer belonged to pelagic fish—species that inhabit the open ocean. These included members of the Scombridae (tunas and mackerels), Coryphaena (mahi-mahi), and Carangidae (jacks) families. Across all categories, sharks were the most commonly found fish remains.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Faunal Summary Table
| Category | Primary Groups/Species | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mammals | Rodents, Bats | Includes two new rat species |
| Reptiles | Varanids, Skinks, Agamids, Snakes, Turtles | Lizards were the primary reptilian source |
| Birds | 18 landbird species | Many now extinct or extirpated |
| Fish | Sharks, Scombridae, Coryphaena, Carangidae | 20% pelagic in Pleistocene layer |
| Shellfish | Nerita undata, Nerita plicata | Dominant shell species |
The Impact of Human Arrival
The transition of the island's ecosystem is evident in the fossil record. Evidence suggests that the extinction and extirpation of various mammalian and bird fauna on Buka Island occurred in tandem with the arrival of the Lapita culture, a prehistoric Pacific Ocean people known for their distinct pottery and maritime skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the most common animals eaten at Kilu Cave?
The most common remains found were rodents among mammals, sharks among fish, and Nerita species among shellfish.
Which new species were discovered at the site?
Two new species of rat, Solomys spriggsarum and Melomys spechti, were identified from the fossil remains.
What percentage of fish were pelagic species?
In the Pleistocene layer, approximately 20% of the fish bones came from pelagic (open ocean) fish.
How did the Lapita culture affect the local wildlife?
The arrival of the Lapita culture coincided with the extinction and extirpation of several bird and mammal species on Buka Island.
Which types of lizards were most prevalent?
The lizard assemblage primarily consisted of varanids and skinks, with some agamids also present.