The Gorham cave complex, located on the Rock of Gibraltar, is, since 2016, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being one of the last known Neanderthal refuges in Europe. Neanderthals shared the interior of these caves with a very familiar species, which also found refuge in Gorham: the Eurasian Crag Martin (Ptyonoprogne rupestris).
Fossil evidence shows that Eurasian Crag Martins have occupied this cave complex since the Upper Pleistocene, 100.000 years ago. This site is still an important refuge today, being the largest winter roost of this species. In December last year, over 20,000 Eurasian Crag Martins were counted at Gorham Caves!
Just as Neanderthals shared their space with these martins, do you know of any winter roosts?
Tell us all about it!
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