Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) Remains from Cueva del Gato 2 (Épila, Zaragoza): A Contribution to Human Consumption Patterns in Inland Iberia During the Late Pleistocene

Abstract

Since the Middle Pleistocene, rabbits have played a crucial role as a resource for subsistence in various parts of Europe. Their significance during the Upper Paleolithic period along the Iberian Mediterranean coast is well documented. However, the utilization of the rabbit as a resource in the interior lands of the Iberian Peninsula has received little attention. This paper presents an analysis of the rabbit remains from Cueva del Gato 2, a cave situated in the foothills of the Sierra de Rodanas with human Paleolithic occupation primarily dating back to approximately 22,925–22,632 to 21,714–21,330 years cal. BP. The main objectives of this study are to identify the origin of the leporid assemblage at the site, to assess the management and consumption patterns, and to determine their importance in the inland region of the Ebro Valley. The research involved taphonomic and zooarcheological analyses, and estimating age when possible. Additionally, the QGIS program was used in order to characterize the butchery pattern. The results indicate the systematic hunting, butchery, and consumption of rabbits in the Badegoulian levels of the site. This provides additional data regarding the occupation of the interior valleys during the cold periods of the Upper Paleolithic.