Recent research from Germany reveals that Neanderthals captured the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) approximately 125,000 years ago, likely valuing its shell as a tool more than its modest meat yield.
European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) beside the leg of a straight-tusked elephant (Palaeoloxodon antiquus). Image credit: Nicole Viehofer / MONREPOS – LEIZA.
Professor Sabine Gaudzinski-Windhauser of MONREPOS and Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz stated, “Recent findings on Neanderthal prey selection reveal a fascinating overlap with their ecological adaptability—showing similarities with the subsistence activities of Homo sapiens in the Upper Paleolithic.”
“Their diet ranged beyond traditional medium-to-large mammals like horses, bovids, and deer to include numerous small mammals such as leopards, birds, and reptiles, even incorporating massive straight-tusked elephants (Palaeoloxodon antiquus), which could weigh up to 135 tons.”
“Additionally, evidence indicates that Neanderthals consumed freshwater and marine resources, including shellfish and crabs, throughout the Mediterranean Basin and southwestern Iberian Peninsula.”
The latest study investigated fragments of a 125,000-year-old turtle shell unearthed in Neumark-Nord, a renowned Paleolithic site in present-day Saxony-Anhalt, Germany.
Utilizing advanced 3D scanning technology, researchers discovered cut marks on the interior surfaces of many of the 92 shell fragments. This indicates that Neanderthals carefully slaughtered these turtles, severing their limbs, removing internal organs, and thoroughly cleaning the shells.
“Our findings provide the first evidence that Neanderthals hunted and processed turtles beyond the Mediterranean region and north of the Alps,” remarked Professor Gaudzinski-Windhauser.
Researchers believe that the turtle identified was a European pond turtle, which was not primarily utilized as a food source.
Professor Gaudzinski-Windhauser added, “Given that the site is rich in large, high-yielding animal remains, this possibility can be virtually dismissed.”
“It seems they had an ample surplus of calories.”
“The pond turtle weighs about 1 kilogram and offers relatively low nutritional value, yet they are fairly easy to catch. Children may have participated in hunting them, as their shells could have been crafted into tools.”
“Furthermore, they might have been pursued for their taste or potential medicinal properties, a notion supported by subsequent research on indigenous populations.”
“Our results illuminate Neanderthal ecological flexibility and intricate survival strategies that extend well beyond mere calorie maximization.”
The team’s results were published in today’s edition of Scientific Reports.
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S. Gaudzinski-Windhauser et al. 2026. Shell Play: Neanderthal Use of the European Pond Turtle (Emys orbicularis) in the Landscape of the Last Interglacial Period North of Neumark (Germany). Scientific Reports 16, 8628; doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-42113-x
Source: www.sci.news
