Late Glacial and Holocene small mammals of the Timan Ridge (Komi Republic, Russia)

Abstract Small mammal remains from five karst-type localities situated in the Southern and Middle Timan region are presented. Three different faunal assemblages from three succeeding phases are recognized. A cryohydrophilous faunal assemblage with desman ( Desmana moschata ) and predominantly Siberian lemming ( Lemmus sibiricus ) existed during the Bolling–Allerod interstadials. During the end of Younger Dryas, the fauna changed to cryoxerophilous communities with a predominance of collared lemming ( Dicrostonyx sp.) and narrow-skulled vole ( Microtus gregalis ). The forest fauna is typical for the Late Holocene. Until the Early Holocene, the Middle Timan region was a refugium of Dicrostonyx populations characterized by archaic molar morphology.