It seems they edged a little closer to understanding it all.
Small, archaic hominins called “hobbits” likely went extinct around 50,000 years ago, with researchers suggesting that decreasing rainfall forced them into competition with modern humans. This new research was published in the journal Communication Earth and Environment.
According to Nick Scroxton, a co-author of the study from University College Dublin, “New evidence points to a period of extreme drought starting about 61,000 years ago as a possible factor in the hobbit’s extinction.” This claim was further discussed in an article for The Conversation.
Known scientifically as Homo floresiensis, these little hominins were first unearthed in 2003 at Liangbua Cave on Flores, an island located approximately 300 miles east of Java. The timeline of their existence is a bit murky, but the oldest remains date back at least 100,000 years, with their tools potentially being even older.
I mean, imagine tiny creatures just over three feet tall, known for their large flat feet, which earned them the nickname “hobbits,” reminiscent of a certain literary character.
Since scientists discovered this species, there’s been a quest to understand its way of life and eventual extinction.
The researchers speculated that the hobbits’ extinction might be closely tied to drought conditions in the region. This theory came about after studying stalagmites in Liangbua that indicated a significant decline in rainfall. Live Science has reported on this as well.
By examining the cave formations’ growth patterns and the magnesium to calcium carbonate ratio, researchers could conclude that rainfall dropped from about 61.4 inches six millennia ago to around 40 inches 61,000 years ago.
This decrease in precipitation apparently persisted until around 50,000 years ago.
As if that wasn’t enough, a nearby volcano erupted during this period, burying the region in debris and leaving the hobbits stranded in dry conditions.
Additionally, scientists analyzed the teeth of Stegodon, an extinct pygmy elephant that was a primary food source for the hobbits. They found a sharp decline in its population following the volcanic eruption, which led to a complete disappearance.
They theorized that the lack of rainfall impacted the elephant numbers, driving them toward the island’s shores for better water, perhaps putting the hobbits at a disadvantage.
Scroxton noted, “If Stegodon populations were dwindling due to reduced river flows, they likely sought more stable water sources,” leading to the same path for the hobbits.
Hominids that ventured to the coasts could have encountered the larger Homo sapiens, possibly leading to competition and conflict over resources.
Julien Ruois, a paleontologist at Griffith University in Australia who didn’t take part in the study, pointed out that limited space on the island adds to the challenges. “If the conditions become drier, animals can’t simply escape the island, and available refuges will shrink or become overcrowded,” he explained.
But there’s still uncertainty around whether competition, disease, or predator interactions drove the hobbits to extinction.
“Whatever the ultimate cause, this study lays the groundwork for future investigations into the extinction of H. floresiensis amid significant climate shifts,” Scroxton concluded. “It highlights the crucial role of freshwater access in the survival of our relatives and serves as a poignant reminder of how shifts in rainfall patterns can profoundly alter history.”
