Strix chacoensis (Aves: Strigiformes) as an accumulator of vertebrate material in an endangered world: Exploring new taphonomic and ecological perspectives

MIGNINO, JULIÁN; LÓPEZ, JOSÉ MANUEL; COSTA, THIAGO; GIARDINA, MIGUEL A.

HOLOCENE (SEVENOAKS)

SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD

Lugar: London; Año: 2024 p. 1 - 12

0959-6836

The objective of this study is to characterize the taphonomic signature of Strix chacoensis in bone and tooth remains of microvertebrates (birds and micromammals). The chaco owl is a bird of prey whose diet and bone modification patterns are little known. In a sample of 41 pellets, an unusual proportion of bird remains over mammal remains was observed. We evaluate the ecological implications of this phenomenon, which could designate Strix chacoensis as a bioindicator of well-preserved forest and shrubland environments when combined with the specific ecological requirements of the prey species. Furthermore, taphonomic patterns vary across taxonomic groups: bird remains exhibited lower modifications due to breakage and digestion compared to micromammal remains. Therefore, this raptor can be characterized as having a minimal impact on bird remains and an intermediate impact on mammal remains.