Using advanced computer simulations, an international research team, including researchers from Aarhus University, has investigated how climate, large animals, fire and humans affected Europe’s vegetation during two warm periods in the past. By comparing the results with extensive pollen analyses from the same periods, the researchers have calculated how the different factors shaped vegetation cover.
The conclusion is clear: Both Neanderthals and the later Mesolithic hunter-gatherers had a strong impact on vegetation patterns in Europe—long before the advent of agriculture.
Neanderthals and Mesolithic hunter-gatherers shaped European landscapes
They are talking 100K plus years ago.