An Archaeological Study of Ungulates Found in Prehistoric Excavations in Sri Lanka

The prehistoric archaeological records of Sri Lanka, spanning from the Late Pleistocene to the Holocene epoch, provide significant zooarchaeological evidence regarding human-animal interactions. Among the animal remains found in cave dwellings and open-air sites, hoofed animals (ungulates) represent the main food component of Balangoda Man (Homo sapiens sapiens). This paper examines the taxonomic diversity, distribution, and relative abundance of hoofed animals,  including the Sambar deer (Rusa unicolor), Spotted deer (Axis axis), Wild boar (Sus scrofa), and the extinct Gaur (Bos gaurus). By analyzing data  obtained from major sites, including Batadomba Lena, Pahiyangala (Fa  Hien Cave), and Bellanbandi Palassa, the presence of these animal species is presented quantitatively. Furthermore, their role within the prehistoric economy is interpreted here. These findings indicate a high prevalence of deer and  boar species, revealing strategic hunting patterns and the existence of a stable paleoenvironment.