Discovery of First Neanderthal Footprints in Portugal Offers New Insights into Coastal Life

Lisbon, Portugal – Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in Portugal, unearthing the first known Neanderthal footprints in the country. These ancient tracks, dating back approximately 80,000 years, provide crucial insights into how Neanderthals utilized coastal landscapes for their survival and mobility during the Pleistocene epoch.

The findings, detailed in a study published in Scientific Reports, identify two new hominin tracksites: Monte Clérigo and Praia do Telheiro, both located on Portugal's southwestern coast. The footprints, remarkably preserved in cemented sand dunes, have been unequivocally attributed to Neanderthals.

At the Monte Clérigo site, a minimum of 26 well-preserved footprints were uncovered, including those of both adults and children. These impressions suggest movement across steep dune slopes, indicating a sophisticated ability to navigate challenging environments. A solitary, isolated footprint at Praia do Telheiro further corroborates the presence of Neanderthals in the region.

According to lead author Carlos Neto de Carvalho, these sites offer direct evidence of Neanderthal behavior outside of traditional cave dwellings. The tracks imply deliberate movement, potentially for activities such as hunting or gathering, and possibly indicate group mobility. This discovery challenges the long-held perception of Neanderthals as solely cave-dwelling populations.

Beyond the physical evidence of their movement, the study also sheds light on Neanderthal dietary practices. The research indicates a broad and adaptable diet, encompassing large mammals as well as resources from coastal ecosystems, such as shellfish and small game. This diverse diet underscores their adaptability as skilled foragers capable of thriving in varied environments.

The preservation of such ancient footprints is a rare phenomenon, requiring highly specific environmental conditions. To confirm the age of the track-bearing layers, the research team employed advanced techniques, including 3D photogrammetry and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating. Sediment analysis was also conducted to reconstruct the paleoenvironment of the time.

These newly discovered Portuguese tracksites significantly expand the known geographical range of Neanderthal coastal activity. They offer invaluable information regarding Neanderthal locomotion, group composition, and their remarkable environmental adaptability. The discovery represents a major advancement in human evolutionary research, providing a tangible glimpse into the daily lives of Neanderthals along Europe's shores during a period of considerable climate shifts. The study emphasizes the critical importance of uncovering and preserving these rare traces of prehistoric life, particularly as rising sea levels continue to threaten and erode ancient coastlines.