Clive Finlayson Books

The book presents compelling evidence that climate change, rather than competition with early humans, was the primary factor behind the extinction of Neanderthals. It explores how environmental shifts affected their survival, offering a fresh perspective on their demise and challenging traditional narratives about human-Neanderthal interactions. Through a detailed analysis, the author highlights the vulnerability of Neanderthals to changing climates, reshaping our understanding of their history and the impact of environmental factors on species survival.

Focusing on the extinction of the Neanderthals, this work presents a compelling argument that their demise was primarily due to their inability to adapt to rapid ecological changes rather than competition with modern humans. Clive Finlayson challenges traditional narratives surrounding their extinction, offering new insights into the environmental factors that played a crucial role during the Pleistocene period. This perspective reshapes our understanding of Neanderthal survival and their interactions with the changing world around them.

Evidence that Neanderthals caught birds and used their feathers for decoration, along with recent discoveries of Neanderthal cave art, are challenging our preconceptions of the cognitive gap between Neanderthals and modern humans. Clive Finlayson draws on new evidence to overturn the old image of the Neanderthal, and our relationship with them.

The books examines 150 bird species of special interest and the main areas where they can be found. The desciptions give an indication of the status of each species within Iberia and of their more global context. Other bird species which have been recorded in Iberia are also listed and their status summarized. This is a major reference work for those planning to watch birds on the Iberian Peninsula. The book is an appreciation of the extraordinarily rich and varied birdlife of Iberia and a plea for conservation of both species and landscape.