Assessing Pleistocene–Holocene climatic and environmental change in insular Near Oceania using stable isotope analysis of archaeological fauna

In comparison to temperate and arid regions, environmental responses the Last Glacial Maximum Terminal Pleistocene Holocene boundary remain poorly known for many parts of tropics, making it challenging unravel human–landscape interactions across this timeframe. This is particularly case in insular Near Oceania, where sea-level fluctuations potential changes forest cover may have had major impacts on hunter–gatherer populations. Here, we apply stable carbon oxygen isotope analyses small-mammal teeth from four Pleistocene–Holocene (spanning 29 000 years ago late Holocene) sequences Bismarck Archipelago reconstruct environments directly exploited by human populations part world. Our results show a subtle response tropical habitats Oceania relatively conditions during late-glacial period, something that has also been observed at sites South Southeast Asia, followed expansion cover. Nevertheless, site-based variability period highlight need more multidisciplinary studies occupation region becoming increasingly central exploring adaptations, modifications social network development over past 20 years.