Taphonomy of Micromammals from Cave Deposits at Kabwe (Broken Hill) and Twin Rivers in Central Zambia

Samples of Middle Pleistocene micromammals from cave deposits at Kabwe (Broken Hill) and Twin Rivers in Zambia were analysed according to Andrews's (1990) methods. In addition, behavioural and ecological data relating to possible predator species were examined for corrobation or contradiction of the mechanical evidence. Interpretation of the Kabwe sample is complicated by its unknown history since recovery and the possibility that the paucity of cranial remains results from their selective post-recovery removal from the sample. However, the combined evidence suggests that it was collected by barn owls whereas the Twin Rivers material perhaps accumulated at a spotted eagle owl nest site.