O. G. Dely szerk.: Vertebrata Hungarica 18. (Budapest, 1978)
Kordos, L.: Historico-zoogeographical and ecological investigation of the subfossil vertebrate fauna of the Aggtelek Karst 85-100. o.
yield of fell of already industrial purpose (forges, charcoal-burning) started as late as in the 16th-17th centuries. From the 18th century downvards sheepfarming was spread which precipitated the degradation of the vegetation. This tendency has been maintained hitherto (layers 1-0). By that time some regions (e.g. Lipinye Plateau in front of Nagyoldal) became totally barren, resulting the increase of number of lizards and field animals; European souslik also appeared. Since the total extent of barren areas relatively made the grade of that of karstic scrub forests, parallel with the dwindling of their living-space and with the reduction of their nourishment, the number of large-sized dormice species decreased, while Muscardinus, their rival in nourishment rapidly bred. This process of forest clearing, forest-degradation and the expansion of karstic scrub forest was clearly demonstrated by the investigations of JAKUCS (1954). Thus, the author's investigations of a quite different character yielded the same result. Man's remaking of nature is responsible not only for the degeneration and retreat of the growing stock but in addition ensured a wide living-space for harmful rodents, from the Bronze Age downvards. The region, however, can be considered as relatively lucky because of the lack of rad and ondatra. Consequently, the aboriginal faunal composition had been disintegrated as early as 2000 years ago and its original proportions could not have been re-established even today. Changes in the vertebrate fauna of the Aggtelek Karst during the Holocene At about 10,000-12,000 years ago, after cooler climatic oscillations (Dryas III - Alleröd - Dryas III) following the last cold phase of Pleistocene (W3 glaciation) Holocene age has began with the Pre-Boreal Phase. Holocene can be characterized as a phase of climatic oscillations warmer than those occurring during the previous ages. The Pleistocene-Holocene faunal transformation is known two sites in the Bükk Mountains: the Rejtek I Rock Shelter and the Petényi Cave. At both sites uninterrupted stratigraphical columns are present. The material of old excavations was coUected by hand - soerting and it was treated as a homogeneous Holocene phase, consequently, this material is quite unsuitable for further divisions. Because of the gradual amelioration of climate those species which were widespread in the region and were accustomed to a Pleistocene climate, died out, retreated or were accustomed to the new conditions . In the first case they were replaced by immigrant forms, while in the latter cases they were succeded by large populations of those animals which already lived in the region or in its surroundings before, though under less favourable conditions. Except the sporadic finds found in the Baradla Cave we did not know for a long time localities in Aggtelek Karst yielding palaeontological remains. In 1967 JÁNOSSY made excavations in Por-lyuk Cave at Jósvafő and in the limestone quarries et Tornanádaska and Osztramos.
