An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c20.s1.t3.22

v1.c20.s1.t3.22

Most of the ungulates excepting the domesticated forms (ox, sheep, goat, pig, etc.) have disappeared from this region. However some antelopes and cervids even now inhabit the forested regions of the Nallamalai and other neighbouring ranges. This may be attributed to the and cave, represent Upper Palaeolithic way stations or changed floral pattern during the present times when the plateaux except in monsoons are devoid of grasses and only the hilly slopes, the canyons, and surroundings of streams have a scrub jungle vegetation. The deterioration of the forest vegetation may be due to human interference by clearing off the land for cultivation and also the drying up of the subsurface drainage system. The animals known in the late Pleistocene and inhabiting the cave areas to this day include *Felis chaus*, *Hyaena hyaena*, *Viverricula indica*, *Herpestes edwardsi*, *Hystrix indica*, *Lepus nigricollis*, *Golunda* sp., *Mus* sp., *Rattus* sp., *Bandicoota* sp. and *Manis crassicaudata*. Changed ecology does not threaten the survival of these animals.