Characterization and depositional evolution of Hyaena ( Crocuta crocuta) coprolites from La Valina Cave (Northwest Spain)

Archaeological excavation of La Valiña site, a karstic cave located in northwest Spain, documented a level of human occupation and a later one of carnivores that can be attributed to Upper Plesitocene (35,000 bp) by the 14C dating obtained from bone samples. Among carnivore remains many coprolites were recovered which, based on morphological and biometrical characteristics, correspond to Crocuta crocuta. Micromorphological analysis of thin sections, mineralogical and palynological analysis let us deduce the deposition period of scats during the year and also the postdepositional changes undergone by coprolites to reach their present state.