Ancient human group thrives in southwest China
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Archaeologists in Yunnan province, China, uncovered evidence of a Denisovan population that lived in the Bat Cave from 190,000 to 70,000 years ago.
The discovery, initially made during ecological restoration work, revealed over 60,000 animal fossils, 1,300 stone tools, and seven ancient human fossils within the cave. Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and other institutions collaborated to study the site, providing a detailed look at the Denisovans’ life in eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
The team determined the fossils belonged to Denisovans through ancient protein analysis, noting similarities and differences to specimens found in Gansu province, suggesting regional variations within the group. They propose the Bat Cave Denisovans may represent a distinct branch of the “Dragon Man” lineage. Analysis of the stone tools showed a consistent, practical technology over tens of thousands of years, while animal remains indicated the Denisovans were skilled hunters of large mammals like deer and cattle.
The cave’s unique feature is the direct association of human remains with the tools and animal bones used in daily life, offering unprecedented insight into their survival strategies during the ice age. Researchers are now attempting to extract ancient DNA from sediment to confirm continuous Denisovan occupation of the cave throughout the entire period.
