Study results of buried alluvium at the Khondu Pleistocene fauna mass accumulation site (Lena–Amga Interfluve)

The reconstruction of natural environment dynamics in Central Yakutia during the Pleistocene remains a subject of debate due to the limited number of studied oryctocenoses. This underscores the high significance of research on mammoth fauna localities in the region. This article presents the results of the first comprehensive study of deposits hosting Late Pleistocene fauna, aimed at reconstructing the paleoenvironment in the Khonda River valley. The research included a combined analysis of the lithological and facies structure of a pit section, along with the contained bone and plant remains, using radiocarbon dating. The upper part of the section is represented by a Late Holocene subaerial complex (744 cal BC–1457 cal AD) which is separated from the underlying buried alluvium by a sedimentation gap spanning MIS 2 and partially MIS 1. The ancient alluvium contains well-preserved remains of both extinct representatives of the mammoth fauna (e.g., Bison priscus) and extant species, including some not currently found in the study area (Urocitellus parryi, Marmota sp., Rangifer tarandus). In general, the mammalian biotopes cover a wide range of natural zones, from tundra to steppe. Furthermore, of particular significance is the presence of sable (Martes zibellina), a taiga bioindicator. Plant macrofossils indicate the development of forest communities with the participation of birch, larch, and Scots pine, with Matsumura’s raspberry and Siberian elder in the undergrowth, and a water body that did not freeze to the bottom. Consequently, climatic conditions are inferred to have been milder than at present, with well-aerated soils and permafrost at depths exceeding 2 m. The formation of the buried alluvium is attributed to one of the MIS 3 optima, likely between 48 and 33.5 ka BP. Finally, future research will include radiocarbon dating of bone remains and additional analyses (spore–pollen, entomological, and phytolith) to further elucidate paleolandscape diversity and the adaptive capabilities of various faunal representatives.

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