The Little Humans of Flores: How Nature Turned Against Them

The tiny humans of Flores, known as hobbits, lived on the island for a long time. They were smart and resourceful. They hunted small elephants and made tools. But their world changed.

The Drought

A big drought started around 76,000 years ago. It got worse over time.

• The rivers dried up.
• The rain stopped coming.
• The hobbits' food, the pygmy elephants, also struggled.

They couldn't find water or food. The hobbits left their cave around 50,000 years ago. They never came back.

The Clues

Scientists found clues in:

• Cave stalagmites
• Elephant teeth

These clues showed the drought was real. It was harsh. The hobbits had no choice but to leave.

The Arrival of Modern Humans

But it's not just about the drought. Around the same time, modern humans arrived. They were:

• Bigger
• Stronger

The hobbits might have met them. With less food and water, the hobbits couldn't compete. This might have been the final blow.

The Disappearance

So, the hobbits disappeared. The drought made life hard. The arrival of modern humans made it harder. The little humans of Flores couldn't survive.

Their story is a reminder of how nature and competition can change the world.