Overview
- A study published December 8 in Communications Earth & Environment presents the most detailed Flores rainfall record to date using a Liang Luar stalagmite.
- The climate reconstruction shows a long drying trend culminating in severe summer aridity between about 61,000 and 55,000 years ago.
- Oxygen‑isotope matches between the cave record and Stegodon tooth enamel date a sharp pygmy elephant decline and disappearance at Liang Bua to roughly 57,000 years ago.
- Homo floresiensis tools and Stegodon remains at Liang Bua are last seen below a volcanic ash layer around 50,000 years ago, with archaeological material attributed to Homo sapiens above it.
- Authors conclude that dwindling freshwater and prey likely drove a progressive abandonment of the cave, while noting volcanism and possible contact with modern humans as additional factors and calling for surveys at other Flores sites.