Distribution of cave lions (Panthera spelaea ssp.) in mountain areas

The penetration of cave lions into mountain and high-mountain (alpine) environments has been documented in the entire range of their occurrence since the Middle Pleistocene (at least since the MIS 12–11). Based on the fossil record, the maximum of their occurrence in these areas falls in the MIS 3 (Last Glacial) and primarily includes the Alps, the Caucasus, and the Altai. However, the documented mountain (1000 – 1500 m a.s.l.) and alpine (>1500 m a.s.l.) occurrence of cave lions during the Pleistocene represent only about 6 % of their known total distribution (about 20 % if sites situated above 500 m altitude are considered). Their presence in this environment was influenced by several factors and was probably only seasonal in nature. • Mountain cave lion fossil record. • A review of mountain and alpine sites with cave lion fossils. • Stratigraphy and taphonomy. • Factors of cave lion occurrence in the mountain areas.