Bearded vulture, a large bird of prey with an unusual diet that consists mainly of bones, has long been fascinated by ornithologists. Now, however, a new study has shown why bones -eating birds can be even more intriguing than they once thought. Their carefully prepared nests, serving several generations, can also act as “Nature Museums”, which preserve centuries of cultural artefacts, according to researchers.
In Spain, researchers 2008-2014 Investigated a dozen bearded vulture nests. The team analyzed them in a layer, revealing the objects created by more than 200 people, which the birds can be repeatedly arranged as building materials. Coal dating of these items revealed that the nests date back to at least in the 13th century, and the oldest artifact is more than 700 years. The conclusions were published on September 11th. Ecology magazine.
The United Ditual diet is primarily bonnes. – Antonite Margalida
“We knew that bearded vulture was a transporting species that could transport items to their nest for construction, but we were surprised by the number of objects found and their age,” said the Spanish National Research Council in the Spanish National Research Council Jaca, Spain, an ecologist. “This means that these places used for centuries are of high quality places used by different generations for breeding.”
Not only do studies open up new ways to find cultural artefacts, but it can also help the future type of preservation, the researchers said.
Artifacts in vulture sockets
Bearded vulture is the only known vertebrate, specializing in eating bones, consisting of up to 90% of the being. As the authors of the study are determined to find historical nests – neither local extinction nor inappropriate habitat factors are no longer used – they were primarily interested in finding bone residues. The team sought to investigate the diet of the past inhabitants and compare it to the diet of modern birds today.
The cross bolt and its wooden Lanc were among more than 200 cultural artefacts uncovered in the nests. – Sergio Couto
However, the investigators said they were surprised by the many artefacts entangled in historical nests. More than 9% of copies pulled from constructions were man -made.
In addition to the sandal, which was made of woven twigs and herbs, the objects found in the nests were painted a piece of medieval leather that resembles a mask, a bag of bag dated in the 18th century. Sandal is the oldest artifact so far, but the study team has no carbon date yet, Margalida said.
According to Margalida, the findings confirmed by documents propose an intriguing culture of human beings. “It can provide us with information about how people dressed, how they hunted (found through the slopes and transverse) and which internal and wild species were the most abundant in the ecosystem,” he said.
Because bearded vulture, which has almost 10 feet (3 meters) wings width, prefers nest nest in rock caves or rocky areas with stable temperature and humidity, bone residues, human designed objects and other nest materials can remain quite well preserved based on research.
“This study highlights a new light and a truly new corner on a bearded vulture area, understanding how fascinating the interaction of bird and human culture history,” said John Fitzpatrick, director of the Cornel Laboratory in the Ornithology Laboratory.
Researchers 2008-2014 In Spain, he studied a dozen bearded vulture nests. – Sergio Couto
“The fact that bearded vulture is now recognized as ‘record performers’ documenting humanity’s history only increases their unique mysticism,” he added. Fitzpatrick, who is also a professor at the Emeritus Emeritus of Cornell University in Cornell University, has not participated in new research.
In Spain, where the researchers regained their nests, according to the study, bearded vulture had disappeared for 70-130 years. To find nesting places, the authors of the study spent a year looking at historic records, as well as talking to the older residents of the district who remember the birds when they were nearby. Today, bearded vultures can still be found in Europe, Asia and Africa, but they are less common and widespread than once centuries ago.
“Although this study took place in Spain, bearded vulture is widely distributed for the old world, including the Himalayas, Caucasus and Ethiopian Highlands,” said Evan Burechley, Raptor Ecology researcher and rept Worldwide security vice president.
While studying other nests such as Ethiopia or Tibet, “could reveal charming insights on the human history of other mountainous regions of the world,” he added by email. In the letter. Buechley also did not participate in the study.
To save the beard
International Nature Red List Union 2014 Concluded bearded vulture as an almost threat. By studying bird nests, including those that are no longer in use, researchers can better understand the factors that make habitats suitable, such as their diet basis or the effects of pesticides in the area, Margalida said.
A dyed medieval skin fragment reminiscent of a mask was also restored. – Sergio Couto
In addition, understanding of species of historical factors, such as their breeding distribution and diet, could help investigators decide where and how to re -enter species in future projects, Buechley said.
The study also emphasizes a major impact on humans on wildlife. Buechley pointed out California Condor. This New World Griffin is a critically endangered species that faces the problems of its chickens that swallow the garbage brought back to their nests.
“It emphasizes the importance of maintaining vast areas of wild habitat, which does not contain the worst toxins that humans create and leave around the landscape for curious critics-not and for large and firm as bearded vulture and pick up home,” said Fitzpatrick.
“Bearded vulture is already a respected bird with a special place in the hearts and minds of people who know about it,” he added. “Everything that informs the public about the charming ways that intersect wild birds and human culture have a huge value to our own appreciation of the world around us, both for our commitment to ensure long-term protection of wild species and wildlife.”
Taylor Nigioli is a freelance journalist located in New York.
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