Faunal Extinction in an Island Society

This report summarises the results of archaeological investigations at the site of Aetokremnos in southern Cyprus and assess the evidence for human involvement in the extinction of the pygmy hippo, once native to the island. As well as producing evidence for the human occupation of Cyprus 1500-2000 years earlier than previously thought, the material from the site feeds into a number of important theoretical debates. What was the role of humans in the extinction of Pleistocene fauna? Why were the islands of the Mediterranean first colonised? And how on earth did hippos ever manage to swim the minimum of 60 kms which divides the island of Cyprus from the mainland?