A Maynooth University scientist has played a key role in an international study that sheds new light on the fate of Homo floresiensis, the small‑bodied “hobbit” species that once lived on the Indonesian island of Flores.

The research shows that the species abandoned its mountain refuge at Liang Bua cave about 61,000 years ago as the climate grew steadily drier. Geochemical records reveal that summer rainfall fell to record lows, cutting off freshwater supplies for both the hobbits and their main prey, the pygmy elephant Stegodon.

Dr Nick Scroxton of Maynooth University’s ICARUS climate research centre worked with colleagues in Australia and Indonesia to reconstruct past rainfall patterns using stalagmites from nearby Liang Luar cave. By analysing magnesium‑to‑calcium ratios and oxygen isotopes, the team was able to track changes in both summer and winter rainfall.

“Our new approach reveals for the first time how seasonal rainfall shifted through time,” Dr Scroxton said. “This is critical to understand vegetation, river flows and the climate stresses faced by Homo floresiensis.”

The study, published in Communications Earth & Environment, found that a prolonged drying trend began around 76,000 years ago and culminated in severe summer drought between 61,000 and 55,000 years ago. Fossil evidence shows a steep decline in Stegodon populations at the same time, signalling the loss of a vital food source for the hobbits.

Researchers believe the combined effects of dwindling water and prey forced Homo floresiensis to leave Liang Bua, potentially bringing them into contact with migrating Homo sapiens. The findings add a new climatic dimension to one of the great mysteries of human evolution, highlighting how environmental stress can reshape the survival of species.