New light on Middle Pleistocene west coast environments from Elandsfontein, Western Cape Province, South Africa

Faunal evidence from Elandsfontein strongly suggests that a grassy, 'bushveld' type environment existed during the Middle to Late Pleistocene. Such an environment implies a climate with a warm (summer) growing season, almost always associated with C-4 grasses. This stands in contrast to the present regional climate, which is dominated by winter rainfall and C-3 fynbos vegetation. Stable carbon isotope ratio analysis of faunal tooth enamel from Elandsfontein shows that most animals consumed entirely C-3 diets, although small proportions of C-4 plants are reflected in a few grazing species. Distinctions in oxygen isotope ratios between species are tentatively interpreted as relating to differences in drinking habits. The results indicate cool growing seasons and persistence of a winter rainfall regime. The high grassy component, unusual in this region, was caused by other factors, possibly a more prolonged rainfall season.