Holocene palaeoecology of the northern Flinders Ranges, South Australia, based on stick-nest rat (Leporillus spp.) middens: a preliminary overview

Eight stick-nest rat (Leporillus spp.) middens from three locations in the northern Flinders Ranges, South Australia provide a discontinuous palaeoecological record spanning the Holocene. Evidence from radiocarbon dates, pollen, plant macrofossils and animal macrofossils is presented. Both pollen and plant macrofossils show that in the early to mid-Holocene (c. 8.8-5.3 ka), woodlands with grassy understoreys were more widespread than present. This accords with other studies suggesting wetter conditions at this time. Samples dating of the Pleistocene-Holocene transition (10.9-9 ka) are dominated by halophytes. It is not yet clear whether this is due to the continuation of Pleistocene aridity, changes in rainfall seasonality, or local influences on vegetation.