Abstract
Th e Kubrychtova Cave at Tetín village (Bohemian Karst, Czech Repub- lic) yielded a layer of surface fossiliferous sediments in a very small space behind the narrow cave opening. Th is layer represents an intact nest de- posit of Nyctea scandiaca. Th e small mammal assemblage, coming sup- posedly from a nesting season, comprises 91 MNI of 22 species. It shows an exceptionally high species diversity covering a spectrum of open-ground elements dominated by those demanding sites with high surface humidity and dense vegetation cover (Lemmus lemmus, Microtus oeconomus,
Arvicola terrestris, Sorex araneus), extensive rocky debris with rich her- bal vegetation (Chionomys nivalis) supplemented with elements of cold glacial habitats (Lasiopodomys anglicus, Dicrostonyx torquatus), forms of highly productive steppe habitats (Cricetulus migratorius, Al- lactaga major, Lagurus lagurus, Spermophilus citelloides) and rare elements indicating even arboreal vegetation (Clethrionomys glareolus,
Myopus schisticolor). Th e 14C dating (39,555-38,150 cal BP) con- fi rms MIS 3 age of the community. Th e surprising diversity of the studied community suggests that a quite variegated environmental mosaic and faunal patterns could have occurred at that time, at least locally, under conditions of a highly diversifi ed relief.