The history of bears (Ursidae, Carnivora, Mammalia) from Silesia (southern Poland) and the neighbouring areas

Marciszak, Adrian; Lipecki, Grzegorz

doi:10.7306/gq.1565

Cited by 3 publications

(3 citation statements)

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“…The Eemian (MIS 5e) is the time when true brown bears undoubtedly appeared in Czech territory in a form possibly identical with Ursus arctos "priscus" sensu lato (but see above regarding the nomenclatural confusion of this subspecies), a characteristic faunal element of European open land assemblages (Kurtén 1968). This large, broad-toothed bear migrated from the East (Figure 1; Musil 1996;Sabol 2001a, b) and appeared first in the late Middle Pleistocene (Kurtén 1959;Baryshnikov 2007;Marciszak et al 2019;Marciszak and Lipecki 2020). Earlier authors described the Eemian populations as independent subspecies called Ursus arctos taubachensis Rode, 1935 (Kurtén 1956(Kurtén , 1959(Kurtén , 1968Mostecký 1961Mostecký , 1963Mostecký , 1969Musil 1996;Sabol 2001a, b;Wagner 2001).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…Earlier authors described the Eemian populations as independent subspecies called Ursus arctos taubachensis Rode, 1935 (Kurtén 1956(Kurtén , 1959(Kurtén , 1968Mostecký 1961Mostecký , 1963Mostecký , 1969Musil 1996;Sabol 2001a, b;Wagner 2001). However, its taxonomic position was later revised, and it is now considered to be a synonym for U. a. priscus s. l. (Baryshnikov 2007;Marciszak et al 2019;Marciszak and Lipecki 2020;Stefaniak et al 2021). The presence of this form during MIS 5e is rarely documented in the Czech territory, e.g., from layers 13-9 of the Kůlna Cave (Musil 2010(Musil , 2018, as well as from the Chlupác ˇova Cave (Mostecký 1961(Mostecký , 1963(Mostecký , 1969Wagner 2001).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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THE LATE PLEISTOCENE HISTORY OF THE BROWN BEAR URSUS ARCTOS LINNAEUS, 1758 IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

et al. 2022

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During the Late Pleistocene (MIS 5e-2), the brown bear Ursus arctos was widespread in the Czech Republic. From this time interval, the species was recorded in 51 Czech localities, including 10 open-air and 41 cave sites. A total of 18 radiocarbon dates obtained from the material showed the presence of the species in this territory 46–12.6 kyr ago during the Late Pleistocene, but most of the dates are concentrated between 45.7 and 29.3 kyr. Later, its occurrence continued into the Holocene. Three dates confirmed the presence of U. arctos just before and during the LGM. However, during the coolest part of the GS-2.1b interval (about 20.9–19.0 kyr), the species was not recorded in the territory of the Czech Republic. A large, broad-toothed, highly carnivorous priscus ecomorph adapted to live in open grasslands occurred during the Late Pleistocene, while the arctos ecomorph was rarely recorded from that period. The post-LGM time (17.5–14.7 kyr) was characterised by increasing numbers of brown bear dates on the territory of the Czech Republic. It was also a period of progressive afforestation and the disappearance of the priscus ecomorph. The latest occurrence of the priscus ecomorph in the territory of the Czech Republic was represented by a robust mandible from the Býčí skála Cave, dated at 15.4–14.9 kyr.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

THE LATE PLEISTOCENE HISTORY OF THE BROWN BEAR URSUS ARCTOS LINNAEUS, 1758 IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

et al. 2022

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“…Potential causes for the cave bears’ demise include (1) resource scarcity during hibernation, or (2) predation by carnivores, humans, or both. The former hypothesis presents avenues for additional explanations for the demise of these cave bears, including resource inaccessibility, unfavourable summers, and habitat fragmentation 31 .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fate and preservation of the Late Pleistocene cave bears from Niedźwiedzia Cave in Poland, through taphonomy, pathology, and geochemistry

Marciszak,

Mackiewicz,

Borówka

et al. 2024

Sci Rep

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This comprehensive study examines fossil remains from Niedźwiedzia Cave in the Eastern Sudetes, offering detailed insights into the palaeobiology and adversities encountered by the Pleistocene cave bear Ursus spelaeus ingressus. Emphasising habitual cave use for hibernation and a primarily herbivorous diet, the findings attribute mortality to resource scarcity during hibernation and habitat fragmentation amid climate shifts. Taphonomic analysis indicates that the cave was extensively used by successive generations of bears, virtually unexposed to the impact of predators. The study also reveals that alkaline conditions developed in the cave during the post-depositional taphonomic processes. Mortality patterns, notably among juveniles, imply dwindling resources, indicative of environmental instability. Skeletal examination reveals a high incidence of forelimb fractures, indicating risks during activities like digging or confrontations. Palaeopathological evidence unveils vulnerabilities to tuberculosis, abscesses, rickets, and injuries, elucidating mobility challenges. The cave’s silts exhibit a high zinc concentration, potentially derived from successive bear generations consuming zinc-rich plants. This study illuminates the lives of late cave bears, elucidating unique environmental hurdles faced near their species’ end.

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Carnivores record and Palaeolithic bear cult in Europe: a review from Radochowska Cave (Sudety Mts, SW Poland)

et al. 2023

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The history of bears (Ursidae, Carnivora, Mammalia) from Silesia (southern Poland) and the neighbouring areas

Cited by 3 publications

References 48 publications

THE LATE PLEISTOCENE HISTORY OF THE BROWN BEAR URSUS ARCTOS LINNAEUS, 1758 IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

THE LATE PLEISTOCENE HISTORY OF THE BROWN BEAR URSUS ARCTOS LINNAEUS, 1758 IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

Fate and preservation of the Late Pleistocene cave bears from Niedźwiedzia Cave in Poland, through taphonomy, pathology, and geochemistry

Carnivores record and Palaeolithic bear cult in Europe: a review from Radochowska Cave (Sudety Mts, SW Poland)

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