The primeval forests of Central Europe are still inhabited by relatively ecologically demanding, thermo- and hydrophilous snail fauna of interglacial character, which differs from the assemblages of Holocene climatic optimum and of the last interglacial optimum by the absence of some southern (exotic) elements.

In the deforested areas inhabited by man, the less demanding mesic to steppe fauna predominates. It differs from analogous early glacial communities only in comprising modern, climatically demanding species, which are unknown from the Pleistocene. They found a suitable habitat in Central Europe thanks to human interference. The dwindling formation of tufa spring deposits and their partial destruction both in occupied and unoccupied areas indicate that the Holocene warm interval is in the late phase.

The recent slope deposits are reminiscent of early glacial sections both by their lithology and fauna reflecting existence of large open spaces. Whereas in early glacials the deforestation resulted from the change of climate, the recent one is almost entirely a product of man.

In assessing the present-day position within the interglacial cycle, we should take into consideration all these conclusions and always keep in mind the share of man's influence in the development observed.