Ancient footprints found near the shores of Portugal's Algarve region are giving us fresh insights into the lives of coastal-dwelling Neanderthals. An international study led by Carlos Neto de Carvalho of the University of Lisbon and the Naturtejo UNESCO Global Geopark has revealed how Neanderthal families may have hunted together on the beach.

While Neanderthals are known to have exploited coastal areas, direct evidence of their activities is scarce. This new research is helping to fill some of the gaps in our knowledge.

"This study provides the first direct evidence of Neanderthal activity on the Portuguese Atlantic coast, revealing their use of dune landscapes for movement and possibly hunting, and highlighting the ecological diversity of their diet and behavior," the authors wrote in their study, published in Scientific Reports.

The fossilized footprints were discovered at two sites. The oldest is a single footprint from Praia do Telheiro, estimated to be about 82,000 years old. The younger set, dating back about 78,000 years, consists of ten footprints left on a dune by three individuals in nearby Monte Clérigo.

Although it is difficult to distinguish Neanderthal footprints from modern ones, the scientists are convinced of their ancient origin. They used a dating technique called Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) to determine the precise ages of track-bearing layers.

Stepping into the past

Ancient footprints are invaluable windows into the past. They can tell us much about body size, anatomy, location, gait and group behavior. Based on the size and shape of the dune prints, the study authors determined that the trio included an adult male measuring between 1.69 and 1.73 meters (5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 8 inches), a child between the ages of 7 and 9, and a toddler under the age of 2.

The presence of red deer footprints on the same dune suggests it was being hunted by the family. Dunes are an ideal setting for stalking and ambushing prey. The uneven landscape, with its peaks, troughs, and slopes, provides excellent cover. This allows hunters to approach their prey without being detected.

Although we can't know for sure whether the youngest child was participating or just along for the ride, researchers believe that hunting on the beach may have been a family activity. The authors also speculate that this area was likely near a Neanderthal campsite.

This study, along with previous discoveries of Neanderthal coastal caves and open-air sites, reinforces the idea that Neanderthals either made extensive or seasonal use of coastal environments.

Edited by Gaby Clark, reviewed by Andrew Zinin