Julian Mignino | Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (original) (raw)
Papers by Julian Mignino
Holocene, Feb 20, 2024
Barn owls are the most widely distributed group of owls in the world and are among the most commo... more Barn owls are the most widely distributed group of owls in the world and are among the most common accumulators of small vertebrate remains at archeological and paleontological sites. Despite its importance as a bone remains accumulator and predictor of paleoenvironmental conditions due to its generalist habits, the vertebrate prey of this raptor has been scarcely studied from an ecological community perspective, especially considering the diverse range of prey it captures. Archeological, paleontological, and taphonomic studies typically reveal taxon-specific patterns, focusing primarily on small rodents. In order to overcome this problem, we studied an assemblage of vertebrate bones from barn owl pellets in the central Monte Desert of Argentina. Our analysis included the full range of prey taxa, including rodents, marsupials, birds, and reptiles, addressed from both an ecological and neo-taphonomic perspective. We compare the taxonomic and taphonomic findings with those from regional small vertebrate records obtained from various sampling types over the past 50 years to explore recent environmental changes within the Anthropocene. The assemblage of small vertebrate prey presented here comprises five species of cricetids, one species from the Caviidae family, and at least one ctenomyid rodent species. Additionally, the assemblage includes one species of didelphid marsupial, one reptile species, and at least six passeriform bird species that belong to separate families. The overall taphonomic trends are consistent with the typical barn owl pattern. However, our analysis identified a larger percentage of postcranial elements exhibiting signs of digestion compared to pellet-derived vertebrate bone assemblages previously documented. Furthermore, it is important to note that a significant proportion of avian bone fragments exhibit distinct signs of digestion.
Journal of archaeological science: Reports/Journal of archaeological science: reports, Apr 1, 2024
The Chaco eagle (Buteogallus coronatus) is a large, endangered, and little-known bird of prey dis... more The Chaco eagle (Buteogallus coronatus) is a large, endangered, and little-known bird of prey distributed throughout southern South America. This bird of prey accumulates large amounts of prey remains around its nests in open landscapes. To present a reliable pattern to distinguish the action of the Chaco Eagle as a potential accumulator of faunal remains in open-air archaeological contexts, we conducted a neo-taphonomic study in an area of the eastern plains of the CWA, analyzing modern remains accumulated around a nest of the Chaco eagle. Our taxonomic analysis allowed us to identify the presence of different taxa belonging to two classes: mammals and reptiles. Most of the specimens identified were non-ingested remains. The armadillo Zaedyus pichiy was the most conspicuous prey species, represented by osteoderms and skulls. We registered several endoskeletal remains and osteoderms of the Chaco tortoise (Chelonoidis chilensis), as well as bone and tooth remains of two little-known and reported species in the study area: the red tegu (Salvator rufescens) and the Patagonian weasel (Lyncodon patagonicus). In addition, we found remains corresponding to two species of small-sized rodents. We also discovered strongly digested vertebrae of an indeterminate small Ophidia preserved in the only recovered pellet. The proportion of weathering was high, with stages 1 and 2 identified as the most dominant degrees. Notably, specimens with two stages of weathering were detected based on the side grounded to the floor. The proportions of breakage, on the other hand, were low. We hope this work contributes to the distinction of accumulating agents in the region’s archaeological sites, especially considering the high importance that armadillos have had for the past human populations of the area.
Revista del Museo de Antropología, Jul 26, 2017
El objetivo general de este trabajo es el de contribuir con nueva información arqueológica que ap... more El objetivo general de este trabajo es el de contribuir con nueva información arqueológica que aporte a un modelo paleoecológico general para las Sierras Pampeanas Australes desde un caso de estudio: el valle de Ongamira, donde han sido planteados cambios, discontinuidades y procesos de complejización durante el Holoceno. Se pretende asociar estos procesos a un marco paleoambiental con datos multi-proxy (dataciones absolutas por 14 C y datos isotópicos asociados a estudios sedimentológicos, moluscos, microvertebrados y macro y micro-restos vegetales, entre otros).
Historical Biology, 2024
The integral study of micromammals recovered from archaeological contexts provides a number of co... more The integral study of micromammals recovered from archaeological contexts provides a number of contributions to the understanding of the dynamics of human occupation. In this paper, based on a comprehensive study of Holocene and actualistic samples from central Argentina, we discuss the taphonomic and paleoenvironmental implications in sites with hunter-gatherer occupations. The sequence studied (ca. 1500-4500 BP) indicates the presence of natural predators (i.e. nocturnal and diurnal birds of prey) as responsible for the formation of the assemblage, ruling out, so far, the participation of human groups. On the other hand, the taxonomic composition of the preterite and actualistic assemblages shows a process of advancement of shrubland and forest environments at the expense of the decrease of open environments, grassland and fresh water contexts.
The Holocene, 2024
Barn owls are the most widely distributed group of owls in the world and are among the most commo... more Barn owls are the most widely distributed group of owls in the world and are among the most common accumulators of small vertebrate remains at archeological and paleontological sites. Despite its importance as a bone remains accumulator and predictor of paleoenvironmental conditions due to its generalist habits, the vertebrate prey of this raptor has been scarcely studied from an ecological community perspective, especially considering the diverse range of prey it captures. Archeological, paleontological, and taphonomic studies typically reveal taxon-specific patterns, focusing primarily on small rodents. In order to overcome this problem, we studied an assemblage of vertebrate bones from barn owl pellets in the central Monte Desert of Argentina. Our analysis included the full range of prey taxa, including rodents, marsupials, birds, and reptiles, addressed from both an ecological and neo-taphonomic perspective. We compare the taxonomic and taphonomic findings with those from regional small vertebrate records obtained from various sampling types over the past 50 years to explore recent environmental changes within the Anthropocene. The assemblage of small vertebrate prey presented here comprises five species of cricetids, one species from the Caviidae family, and at least one ctenomyid rodent species. Additionally, the assemblage includes one species of didelphid marsupial, one reptile species, and at least six passeriform bird species that belong to separate families. The overall taphonomic trends are consistent with the typical barn owl pattern. However, our analysis identified a larger percentage of postcranial elements exhibiting signs of digestion compared to pellet-derived vertebrate bone assemblages previously documented. Furthermore, it is important to note that a significant proportion of avian bone fragments exhibit distinct signs of digestion.
The Holocene, 2024
The objective of this study is to characterize the taphonomic signature of Strix chacoensis in bo... more 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.
The Holocene, 2024
This special volume considers major recent changes in southern South American animal communities.... more This special volume considers major recent changes in southern South American animal communities. Eleven papers consider megafauna, pinnipeds, marine mammals, small terrestrial mammals and birds and are grouped under four sub-headings: (1) Isotopic insights into guanaco populations; (2) Historical sources and marine ecosystem change; (3) Changes in small mammal communities and human impacts; and (4) megafaunal extinction, domestication, avifauna and recent interactions with humans. Although some of these contributions include changes that occurred earlier in the Holocene, many highlight a current decrease in the taxonomic diversity of communities and ecosystems in different environments, which are likely to have been caused by modern human activities. The Anthropocene concept is seen as providing a useful framework for understanding and mitigation of such adverse human impacts.
Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 2024
The Chaco eagle (Buteogallus coronatus) is a large, endangered, and little-known bird of prey dis... more The Chaco eagle (Buteogallus coronatus) is a large, endangered, and little-known bird of prey distributed throughout southern South America. This bird of prey accumulates large amounts of prey remains around its nests in open landscapes. To present a reliable pattern to distinguish the action of the Chaco Eagle as a potential accumulator of faunal remains in open-air archaeological contexts, we conducted a neo-taphonomic study in an
area of the eastern plains of the CWA, analyzing modern remains accumulated around a nest of the Chaco eagle. Our taxonomic analysis allowed us to identify the presence of different taxa belonging to two classes: mammals and reptiles. Most of the specimens identified were non-ingested remains. The armadillo Zaedyus pichiy was the most conspicuous prey species, represented by osteoderms and skulls. We registered several endoskeletal remains and osteoderms of the Chaco tortoise (Chelonoidis chilensis), as well as bone and tooth remains of two little-known and reported species in the study area: the red tegu (Salvator rufescens) and the Patagonian weasel (Lyncodon patagonicus). In addition, we found remains corresponding to two species of small-sized rodents. We also discovered strongly digested vertebrae of an indeterminate small Ophidia preserved in the only recovered pellet.
The proportion of weathering was high, with stages 1 and 2 identified as the most dominant degrees. Notably, specimens with two stages of weathering were detected based on the side grounded to the floor. The proportions of breakage, on the other hand, were low. We hope this work contributes to the distinction of accumulating agents in the region’s archaeological sites, especially considering the high importance that armadillos have had for the past human populations of the area.
Revista del Museo de Antropología, Dec 26, 2022
Historical Biology, Mar 3, 2023
This paper aims to characterise the modifications caused by the Pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus... more This paper aims to characterise the modifications caused by the Pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus) to the bones and teeth of its prey in the Espinal and Dry Chaco environments, in central Argentina. Plant remains, invertebrate remains, and vertebrate bones and teeth were recovered from a set of more than 180 faeces. From an actualistic perspective, we evaluated the taphonomic signature of this predator in the remains of snakes, birds and mammals recovered in its faeces. We achieved a high rate of taxonomical identification and recovered remains of exotic and native fauna, such as Ovis aries and Lagostomus maximus, respectively. The most remarkable aspects recorded in this taphonomic study were a high frequency of breakage, a low frequency of tooth marks (only observed in large prey), and a high frequency and intensity of digestion damage. The information generated in this study contributes to the evaluations of accumulating agents in archaeological and palaeontological sites of South America.
Check List, Jan 20, 2023
Salinomys delicatus Braun & Mares, 1995 is a sigmodontine rodent endemic to perisaline environmen... more Salinomys delicatus Braun & Mares, 1995 is a sigmodontine rodent endemic to perisaline environments in west-central Argentina. It is currently considered to be a Vulnerable species due to its patchy distribution and the loss of optimal habitats caused by intensive anthropogenic activities. In this work, we document the first record for this species in the Dry Chaco ecoregion of northwestern Córdoba province (Argentina), enlarging the geographic distribution of this species by approximately 115 km to the east of previously known occurrences. Our new record highlights the need to strengthen conservation policies in the Dry Chaco of Córdoba province.
Mundo de Antes
El trabajo consta de un compilado de prácticas que giran en torno al vínculo entre poblaciones ru... more El trabajo consta de un compilado de prácticas que giran en torno al vínculo entre poblaciones rurales y la fauna del noroeste de Córdoba, Argentina. Se documentaron 37 especies, mayormente nativas de relevancia local por ser cazadas para consumo, “control” o como mascotas. Se destacaron los grupos de mamíferos y aves, donde el 33% son “de casa”, el 16% pueden ser consumidas o amansadas (caza/casa) y el 51% son exclusivamente “de caza” (alimento, medicina, “control” de especies conflicto), ocasionalmente con otros usos o valoraciones. Las aves suelen ser de “casa” por estética y llamativos cantos. Los mamíferos usados como alimento o medicina, en el estadio inicial de crecimiento pueden ser visualizados como especies aptas para amansar; estando en esta doble categoría (casa y caza), por ejemplo, puma (Puma concolor), guanaco (Lama guanicoe) o pecarí (Pecari tajacu). Además, se mencionan especies meramente de consumo como la corzuela (Subulo gouazoubira) o especies introducidas como ...
Mastozoología Neotropical
Durante el año 2022 se publicaron en la Argentina algunas contri- buciones con un denominador com... more Durante el año 2022 se publicaron en la Argentina algunas contri- buciones con un denominador común: la estrategia de conservación conocida como “rewilding”. Uno de estos trabajos, aparecido en el segundo número de Mastozoología Neotropical de 2022, fue el editorial “Mamíferos exóticos y restauración faunística en el Neotrópico” de Di Bitetti et al. (2022); otro fue la presentación del libro “Rewilding en la Argentina” de Di Martino et al. (2022). En línea con estas publicaciones, se desarrolló el Simposio “Restauración mediante Rewilding: progresos, oportunidades y desafíos” en el marco de las XXXIII Jornadas Argentinas de Mastozoología (Puerto Iguazú, Misiones). Sintéticamente, los autores de estas intervencio- nes analizan y utilizan una serie de procesos espacio-temporales (e.g., extinción de megafauna, regímenes de incendios, introducción de especies) para justificar el potencial uso y actual aplicación de la estrategia de “rewilding” en el país. Este trabajo surge de la necesidad de generar una respuesta alter- nativa y discutir algunos de los aspectos conceptuales presentados por Di Bitetti et al. (2022) y Di Martino et al. (2022). Paralelamente, esperamos que este trabajo contribuya a dar respuesta a uno de los grandes interrogantes que surge de nuestro papel como actores de la conservación: ¿qué criterios y prioridades son los más adecuados para promover la conservación de las especies dentro de los ecosistemas? En primer lugar ofrecemos una breve descripción de la estrategia conocida como “rewilding” y de sus distintas variantes. Seguidamente, discutimos desde una perspectiva multidisciplinaria, y a través de diversos ejemplos, algunos aspectos de las contribuciones de Di Bitetti et al. (2022) y Di Martino et al. (2022).
InterSecciones en Antropología, 2021
El estudio de micromamíferos recuperados en egagrópilas de rapaces es un insumo útil para evaluar... more El estudio de micromamíferos recuperados en egagrópilas de rapaces es un insumo útil para evaluar mecanismos de acumulación del registro arqueofaunístico, así como también para reforzar y fortalecer las inferencias paleoambientales. Con el objetivo de incrementar el conocimiento sobre agentes acumuladores en contextos arqueológicos y paleontológicos, este trabajo presenta el primer estudio tafonómico de restos óseos y dentarios recuperados en egagrópilas de la rapaz Megascops choliba en el Bosque Chaqueño Serrano del noroeste de la provincia de Córdoba, Argentina. Las muestras incluyen ocho especies de roedores sigmodontinos y una especie de marsupial Thylamyini. Se realizó un análisis tafonómico que evaluó el perfil taxonómico de las presas, la abundancia y proporciones de elementos anatómicos, patrones de fractura y evidencias de digestión. Los resultados indicaron un alto porcentaje de abundancia relativa de partes esqueletales, con preponderancia de elementos poscraneales por so...
Spanish Journal of Palaeontology
Se presenta un análisis tafonómico comparativo de restos de anfibios recuperados en egagrópilas d... more Se presenta un análisis tafonómico comparativo de restos de anfibios recuperados en egagrópilas de aves rapaces Strigifomes provenientes del centro de Argentina, en la provincia de Córdoba: Tyto furcata, Megascops choliba y Athene cunicularia. El estudio se basó en el promedio de abundancia relativa de elementos anatómicos, índices de representatividad de partes esqueletales y se evalúo fracturación y digestión. Los resultados derivados del análisis de representatividad y abundancia anatómica revelaron promedios elevados de abundancia relativa en todos los casos. Los grados de fractura y digestión fueron evaluados como leves para T. furcata, leves-moderados para M. choliba y moderados para A. cunicularia. En general, estas evaluaciones coinciden con las referencias previas. Sin embargo, se detectaron variaciones en los patrones de fracturación y digestión. Los datos presentados aportan información como análogos modernos para evaluar la presencia de esta clase de restos en contextos ...
Mastozoologia Neotropical, 2023
Tabla 1 Principales "variantes" aplicadas en la estrategia de reasilvestramiento desde 1998, con ... more Tabla 1 Principales "variantes" aplicadas en la estrategia de reasilvestramiento desde 1998, con su correspondiente referencia. Esta tabla fue generada a partir de la Figura 1 de Nogués-Bravo et al. (2016). Tipos de reasilvestramiento De nición Referencia Reasilvestramiento Restaurar grandes áreas silvestres en función de los roles de los grandes depredadores, también denominada "Cores, Corridors, Carnivores" (en español: Áreas núcleo, Corredores, Carnívoros).
El Hornero
Los restos óseos y dentarios de micromamíferos son frecuentes en sitios arqueológicos, paleontoló... more Los restos óseos y dentarios de micromamíferos son frecuentes en sitios arqueológicos, paleontológicos y en espacios urbanos y rurales. La Lechuza de Campanario (Tyto alba), distribuida en todo el continente americano, es uno de los acumuladores más comunes de este tipo de restos. En este sentido, es necesario analizar su comportamiento de depredación en relación con las presas obtenidas y descartadas en sus egagrópilas en ambientes específicos. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo realizar un análisis tafonómico de restos óseos y dentarios en egagrópilas de Lechuza de Campanario colectadas en dos tipos de sitios (percha y nido) y dos zonas ecológicas (Chaco Árido y Chaco Serrano) diferentes del área seca de la ecorregión Gran Chaco, en el sur de América del Sur. Se evaluó la composición taxonómica, la abundancia relativa de partes esqueléticas, patrones de fractura, digestión en elementos craneales y postcraneales para caracterizar los patrones tafonómicos generados por este depredador...
Holocene, Feb 20, 2024
Barn owls are the most widely distributed group of owls in the world and are among the most commo... more Barn owls are the most widely distributed group of owls in the world and are among the most common accumulators of small vertebrate remains at archeological and paleontological sites. Despite its importance as a bone remains accumulator and predictor of paleoenvironmental conditions due to its generalist habits, the vertebrate prey of this raptor has been scarcely studied from an ecological community perspective, especially considering the diverse range of prey it captures. Archeological, paleontological, and taphonomic studies typically reveal taxon-specific patterns, focusing primarily on small rodents. In order to overcome this problem, we studied an assemblage of vertebrate bones from barn owl pellets in the central Monte Desert of Argentina. Our analysis included the full range of prey taxa, including rodents, marsupials, birds, and reptiles, addressed from both an ecological and neo-taphonomic perspective. We compare the taxonomic and taphonomic findings with those from regional small vertebrate records obtained from various sampling types over the past 50 years to explore recent environmental changes within the Anthropocene. The assemblage of small vertebrate prey presented here comprises five species of cricetids, one species from the Caviidae family, and at least one ctenomyid rodent species. Additionally, the assemblage includes one species of didelphid marsupial, one reptile species, and at least six passeriform bird species that belong to separate families. The overall taphonomic trends are consistent with the typical barn owl pattern. However, our analysis identified a larger percentage of postcranial elements exhibiting signs of digestion compared to pellet-derived vertebrate bone assemblages previously documented. Furthermore, it is important to note that a significant proportion of avian bone fragments exhibit distinct signs of digestion.
Journal of archaeological science: Reports/Journal of archaeological science: reports, Apr 1, 2024
The Chaco eagle (Buteogallus coronatus) is a large, endangered, and little-known bird of prey dis... more The Chaco eagle (Buteogallus coronatus) is a large, endangered, and little-known bird of prey distributed throughout southern South America. This bird of prey accumulates large amounts of prey remains around its nests in open landscapes. To present a reliable pattern to distinguish the action of the Chaco Eagle as a potential accumulator of faunal remains in open-air archaeological contexts, we conducted a neo-taphonomic study in an area of the eastern plains of the CWA, analyzing modern remains accumulated around a nest of the Chaco eagle. Our taxonomic analysis allowed us to identify the presence of different taxa belonging to two classes: mammals and reptiles. Most of the specimens identified were non-ingested remains. The armadillo Zaedyus pichiy was the most conspicuous prey species, represented by osteoderms and skulls. We registered several endoskeletal remains and osteoderms of the Chaco tortoise (Chelonoidis chilensis), as well as bone and tooth remains of two little-known and reported species in the study area: the red tegu (Salvator rufescens) and the Patagonian weasel (Lyncodon patagonicus). In addition, we found remains corresponding to two species of small-sized rodents. We also discovered strongly digested vertebrae of an indeterminate small Ophidia preserved in the only recovered pellet. The proportion of weathering was high, with stages 1 and 2 identified as the most dominant degrees. Notably, specimens with two stages of weathering were detected based on the side grounded to the floor. The proportions of breakage, on the other hand, were low. We hope this work contributes to the distinction of accumulating agents in the region’s archaeological sites, especially considering the high importance that armadillos have had for the past human populations of the area.
Revista del Museo de Antropología, Jul 26, 2017
El objetivo general de este trabajo es el de contribuir con nueva información arqueológica que ap... more El objetivo general de este trabajo es el de contribuir con nueva información arqueológica que aporte a un modelo paleoecológico general para las Sierras Pampeanas Australes desde un caso de estudio: el valle de Ongamira, donde han sido planteados cambios, discontinuidades y procesos de complejización durante el Holoceno. Se pretende asociar estos procesos a un marco paleoambiental con datos multi-proxy (dataciones absolutas por 14 C y datos isotópicos asociados a estudios sedimentológicos, moluscos, microvertebrados y macro y micro-restos vegetales, entre otros).
Historical Biology, 2024
The integral study of micromammals recovered from archaeological contexts provides a number of co... more The integral study of micromammals recovered from archaeological contexts provides a number of contributions to the understanding of the dynamics of human occupation. In this paper, based on a comprehensive study of Holocene and actualistic samples from central Argentina, we discuss the taphonomic and paleoenvironmental implications in sites with hunter-gatherer occupations. The sequence studied (ca. 1500-4500 BP) indicates the presence of natural predators (i.e. nocturnal and diurnal birds of prey) as responsible for the formation of the assemblage, ruling out, so far, the participation of human groups. On the other hand, the taxonomic composition of the preterite and actualistic assemblages shows a process of advancement of shrubland and forest environments at the expense of the decrease of open environments, grassland and fresh water contexts.
The Holocene, 2024
Barn owls are the most widely distributed group of owls in the world and are among the most commo... more Barn owls are the most widely distributed group of owls in the world and are among the most common accumulators of small vertebrate remains at archeological and paleontological sites. Despite its importance as a bone remains accumulator and predictor of paleoenvironmental conditions due to its generalist habits, the vertebrate prey of this raptor has been scarcely studied from an ecological community perspective, especially considering the diverse range of prey it captures. Archeological, paleontological, and taphonomic studies typically reveal taxon-specific patterns, focusing primarily on small rodents. In order to overcome this problem, we studied an assemblage of vertebrate bones from barn owl pellets in the central Monte Desert of Argentina. Our analysis included the full range of prey taxa, including rodents, marsupials, birds, and reptiles, addressed from both an ecological and neo-taphonomic perspective. We compare the taxonomic and taphonomic findings with those from regional small vertebrate records obtained from various sampling types over the past 50 years to explore recent environmental changes within the Anthropocene. The assemblage of small vertebrate prey presented here comprises five species of cricetids, one species from the Caviidae family, and at least one ctenomyid rodent species. Additionally, the assemblage includes one species of didelphid marsupial, one reptile species, and at least six passeriform bird species that belong to separate families. The overall taphonomic trends are consistent with the typical barn owl pattern. However, our analysis identified a larger percentage of postcranial elements exhibiting signs of digestion compared to pellet-derived vertebrate bone assemblages previously documented. Furthermore, it is important to note that a significant proportion of avian bone fragments exhibit distinct signs of digestion.
The Holocene, 2024
The objective of this study is to characterize the taphonomic signature of Strix chacoensis in bo... more 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.
The Holocene, 2024
This special volume considers major recent changes in southern South American animal communities.... more This special volume considers major recent changes in southern South American animal communities. Eleven papers consider megafauna, pinnipeds, marine mammals, small terrestrial mammals and birds and are grouped under four sub-headings: (1) Isotopic insights into guanaco populations; (2) Historical sources and marine ecosystem change; (3) Changes in small mammal communities and human impacts; and (4) megafaunal extinction, domestication, avifauna and recent interactions with humans. Although some of these contributions include changes that occurred earlier in the Holocene, many highlight a current decrease in the taxonomic diversity of communities and ecosystems in different environments, which are likely to have been caused by modern human activities. The Anthropocene concept is seen as providing a useful framework for understanding and mitigation of such adverse human impacts.
Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 2024
The Chaco eagle (Buteogallus coronatus) is a large, endangered, and little-known bird of prey dis... more The Chaco eagle (Buteogallus coronatus) is a large, endangered, and little-known bird of prey distributed throughout southern South America. This bird of prey accumulates large amounts of prey remains around its nests in open landscapes. To present a reliable pattern to distinguish the action of the Chaco Eagle as a potential accumulator of faunal remains in open-air archaeological contexts, we conducted a neo-taphonomic study in an
area of the eastern plains of the CWA, analyzing modern remains accumulated around a nest of the Chaco eagle. Our taxonomic analysis allowed us to identify the presence of different taxa belonging to two classes: mammals and reptiles. Most of the specimens identified were non-ingested remains. The armadillo Zaedyus pichiy was the most conspicuous prey species, represented by osteoderms and skulls. We registered several endoskeletal remains and osteoderms of the Chaco tortoise (Chelonoidis chilensis), as well as bone and tooth remains of two little-known and reported species in the study area: the red tegu (Salvator rufescens) and the Patagonian weasel (Lyncodon patagonicus). In addition, we found remains corresponding to two species of small-sized rodents. We also discovered strongly digested vertebrae of an indeterminate small Ophidia preserved in the only recovered pellet.
The proportion of weathering was high, with stages 1 and 2 identified as the most dominant degrees. Notably, specimens with two stages of weathering were detected based on the side grounded to the floor. The proportions of breakage, on the other hand, were low. We hope this work contributes to the distinction of accumulating agents in the region’s archaeological sites, especially considering the high importance that armadillos have had for the past human populations of the area.
Revista del Museo de Antropología, Dec 26, 2022
Historical Biology, Mar 3, 2023
This paper aims to characterise the modifications caused by the Pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus... more This paper aims to characterise the modifications caused by the Pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus) to the bones and teeth of its prey in the Espinal and Dry Chaco environments, in central Argentina. Plant remains, invertebrate remains, and vertebrate bones and teeth were recovered from a set of more than 180 faeces. From an actualistic perspective, we evaluated the taphonomic signature of this predator in the remains of snakes, birds and mammals recovered in its faeces. We achieved a high rate of taxonomical identification and recovered remains of exotic and native fauna, such as Ovis aries and Lagostomus maximus, respectively. The most remarkable aspects recorded in this taphonomic study were a high frequency of breakage, a low frequency of tooth marks (only observed in large prey), and a high frequency and intensity of digestion damage. The information generated in this study contributes to the evaluations of accumulating agents in archaeological and palaeontological sites of South America.
Check List, Jan 20, 2023
Salinomys delicatus Braun & Mares, 1995 is a sigmodontine rodent endemic to perisaline environmen... more Salinomys delicatus Braun & Mares, 1995 is a sigmodontine rodent endemic to perisaline environments in west-central Argentina. It is currently considered to be a Vulnerable species due to its patchy distribution and the loss of optimal habitats caused by intensive anthropogenic activities. In this work, we document the first record for this species in the Dry Chaco ecoregion of northwestern Córdoba province (Argentina), enlarging the geographic distribution of this species by approximately 115 km to the east of previously known occurrences. Our new record highlights the need to strengthen conservation policies in the Dry Chaco of Córdoba province.
Mundo de Antes
El trabajo consta de un compilado de prácticas que giran en torno al vínculo entre poblaciones ru... more El trabajo consta de un compilado de prácticas que giran en torno al vínculo entre poblaciones rurales y la fauna del noroeste de Córdoba, Argentina. Se documentaron 37 especies, mayormente nativas de relevancia local por ser cazadas para consumo, “control” o como mascotas. Se destacaron los grupos de mamíferos y aves, donde el 33% son “de casa”, el 16% pueden ser consumidas o amansadas (caza/casa) y el 51% son exclusivamente “de caza” (alimento, medicina, “control” de especies conflicto), ocasionalmente con otros usos o valoraciones. Las aves suelen ser de “casa” por estética y llamativos cantos. Los mamíferos usados como alimento o medicina, en el estadio inicial de crecimiento pueden ser visualizados como especies aptas para amansar; estando en esta doble categoría (casa y caza), por ejemplo, puma (Puma concolor), guanaco (Lama guanicoe) o pecarí (Pecari tajacu). Además, se mencionan especies meramente de consumo como la corzuela (Subulo gouazoubira) o especies introducidas como ...
Mastozoología Neotropical
Durante el año 2022 se publicaron en la Argentina algunas contri- buciones con un denominador com... more Durante el año 2022 se publicaron en la Argentina algunas contri- buciones con un denominador común: la estrategia de conservación conocida como “rewilding”. Uno de estos trabajos, aparecido en el segundo número de Mastozoología Neotropical de 2022, fue el editorial “Mamíferos exóticos y restauración faunística en el Neotrópico” de Di Bitetti et al. (2022); otro fue la presentación del libro “Rewilding en la Argentina” de Di Martino et al. (2022). En línea con estas publicaciones, se desarrolló el Simposio “Restauración mediante Rewilding: progresos, oportunidades y desafíos” en el marco de las XXXIII Jornadas Argentinas de Mastozoología (Puerto Iguazú, Misiones). Sintéticamente, los autores de estas intervencio- nes analizan y utilizan una serie de procesos espacio-temporales (e.g., extinción de megafauna, regímenes de incendios, introducción de especies) para justificar el potencial uso y actual aplicación de la estrategia de “rewilding” en el país. Este trabajo surge de la necesidad de generar una respuesta alter- nativa y discutir algunos de los aspectos conceptuales presentados por Di Bitetti et al. (2022) y Di Martino et al. (2022). Paralelamente, esperamos que este trabajo contribuya a dar respuesta a uno de los grandes interrogantes que surge de nuestro papel como actores de la conservación: ¿qué criterios y prioridades son los más adecuados para promover la conservación de las especies dentro de los ecosistemas? En primer lugar ofrecemos una breve descripción de la estrategia conocida como “rewilding” y de sus distintas variantes. Seguidamente, discutimos desde una perspectiva multidisciplinaria, y a través de diversos ejemplos, algunos aspectos de las contribuciones de Di Bitetti et al. (2022) y Di Martino et al. (2022).
InterSecciones en Antropología, 2021
El estudio de micromamíferos recuperados en egagrópilas de rapaces es un insumo útil para evaluar... more El estudio de micromamíferos recuperados en egagrópilas de rapaces es un insumo útil para evaluar mecanismos de acumulación del registro arqueofaunístico, así como también para reforzar y fortalecer las inferencias paleoambientales. Con el objetivo de incrementar el conocimiento sobre agentes acumuladores en contextos arqueológicos y paleontológicos, este trabajo presenta el primer estudio tafonómico de restos óseos y dentarios recuperados en egagrópilas de la rapaz Megascops choliba en el Bosque Chaqueño Serrano del noroeste de la provincia de Córdoba, Argentina. Las muestras incluyen ocho especies de roedores sigmodontinos y una especie de marsupial Thylamyini. Se realizó un análisis tafonómico que evaluó el perfil taxonómico de las presas, la abundancia y proporciones de elementos anatómicos, patrones de fractura y evidencias de digestión. Los resultados indicaron un alto porcentaje de abundancia relativa de partes esqueletales, con preponderancia de elementos poscraneales por so...
Spanish Journal of Palaeontology
Se presenta un análisis tafonómico comparativo de restos de anfibios recuperados en egagrópilas d... more Se presenta un análisis tafonómico comparativo de restos de anfibios recuperados en egagrópilas de aves rapaces Strigifomes provenientes del centro de Argentina, en la provincia de Córdoba: Tyto furcata, Megascops choliba y Athene cunicularia. El estudio se basó en el promedio de abundancia relativa de elementos anatómicos, índices de representatividad de partes esqueletales y se evalúo fracturación y digestión. Los resultados derivados del análisis de representatividad y abundancia anatómica revelaron promedios elevados de abundancia relativa en todos los casos. Los grados de fractura y digestión fueron evaluados como leves para T. furcata, leves-moderados para M. choliba y moderados para A. cunicularia. En general, estas evaluaciones coinciden con las referencias previas. Sin embargo, se detectaron variaciones en los patrones de fracturación y digestión. Los datos presentados aportan información como análogos modernos para evaluar la presencia de esta clase de restos en contextos ...
Mastozoologia Neotropical, 2023
Tabla 1 Principales "variantes" aplicadas en la estrategia de reasilvestramiento desde 1998, con ... more Tabla 1 Principales "variantes" aplicadas en la estrategia de reasilvestramiento desde 1998, con su correspondiente referencia. Esta tabla fue generada a partir de la Figura 1 de Nogués-Bravo et al. (2016). Tipos de reasilvestramiento De nición Referencia Reasilvestramiento Restaurar grandes áreas silvestres en función de los roles de los grandes depredadores, también denominada "Cores, Corridors, Carnivores" (en español: Áreas núcleo, Corredores, Carnívoros).
El Hornero
Los restos óseos y dentarios de micromamíferos son frecuentes en sitios arqueológicos, paleontoló... more Los restos óseos y dentarios de micromamíferos son frecuentes en sitios arqueológicos, paleontológicos y en espacios urbanos y rurales. La Lechuza de Campanario (Tyto alba), distribuida en todo el continente americano, es uno de los acumuladores más comunes de este tipo de restos. En este sentido, es necesario analizar su comportamiento de depredación en relación con las presas obtenidas y descartadas en sus egagrópilas en ambientes específicos. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo realizar un análisis tafonómico de restos óseos y dentarios en egagrópilas de Lechuza de Campanario colectadas en dos tipos de sitios (percha y nido) y dos zonas ecológicas (Chaco Árido y Chaco Serrano) diferentes del área seca de la ecorregión Gran Chaco, en el sur de América del Sur. Se evaluó la composición taxonómica, la abundancia relativa de partes esqueléticas, patrones de fractura, digestión en elementos craneales y postcraneales para caracterizar los patrones tafonómicos generados por este depredador...
ELAZ 2018
La fotogrametría es una técnica que combina el uso de la fotografía y la geometría a distintos ni... more La fotogrametría es una técnica que combina el uso de la fotografía y la geometría a distintos niveles y escalas, obteniendo resultados de calidad. Los estudios zooarqueológicos, zoológicos y paleontológicos que combinan esta técnica han permitido desarrollar modelos completos o secciones específicas de distintos huesos o esqueletos, que resultan de interés para una amplia gama de estudios a distintas escalas (e. g. Owen et al. 2014; Hopkins & Pearson 2016). A su vez, la posibilidad de generar objetos digitales tridimensionales, frente a su acceso limitado como colecciones de referencia comparativas, han permitido alcanzar distintos objetivos gracias a la replicabalilidad de los resultados obtenidos a través del análisis 3D (Fau et al. 2016). Desde esta perspectiva, en este trabajo presentamos los primeros avances sobre el desarrollo de esta técnica con conjuntos de microvertebrados procedentes de la provincia de Córdoba (Mignino et al. 2018). Por esto, creemos que el desarrollo de esta herramienta será efectiva para la identificación de muestras arqueológicas y zoológicas. Además, proporcionará acceso abierto a los modelos resultantes. En este sentido, el objetivo de este trabajo es aplicar esta técnica, buscar la preservación del registro y generar modelos de acceso abierto comparativos para estudios en diversas áreas del conocimiento.
Within the field of zooarchaeological studies, the application of three-dimensional modelling, de... more Within the field of zooarchaeological studies, the application of three-dimensional modelling, developed from registration by photogrammetric techniques, has allowed the elaboration of complete models or specific sections of different skeletons or taxa (e.g. Owen et al. 2014; Hopkins & Pearson 2016). Faced with the limited access of reference skeletons, the development of digital models allows through the use as a comparative material to reach levels of taxonomic identification, and thereby achieve replicability of the results obtained through 3D analysis (Fau et al. 2016) Photogrammetry is a technique that combines the use of photography and geometry from different levels and scales, obtaining quality results. We believe that this tool will be effective for the identification of archaeological and zoological samples. Also, will provide open access to the resulting models. This work aims to apply this technique, seeking preservation of the registry, while generating comparative open access models for studies in various areas of knowledge. To obtain the models, a digital Nikon SLR D5300 camera was used, which allowed a control of the lighting, shooting speed and image quality. In addition, it allows obtaining a wide range of work with micro-scale models. The processing of these images was done on the basis of open access 3D reconstruction software such as Visual Structure from Motion System (VisualSFM), MeshLab and Blender. After making 3D models, different measurements were made using the MeshLab program, a parametric software for editing 3D point clouds. Based on this technique, three-dimensional models of a total of 20 craniomandibular remnants (MNI=10) corresponding to 2 species of hystricognath rodents, Microcavia australis and Ctenomys aff. C. osvaldoreigi. Both sets coming from the Ongamira valley (Figure 1). To obtain the models, three steps were followed: Taking photos whit the photogrammetry system Processing the images to generate the dense point cloud (e.g. whit VisualSFM). Editing of the dense point cloud and mesh (MeshLab) and obtaining the final models.
RESUMEN · Este trabajo presenta los resultados preliminares de un estudio de impacto arqueológico... more RESUMEN · Este trabajo presenta los resultados preliminares de un estudio de impacto arqueológico en el centro de la ciudad de Córdoba. Durante las tareas realizadas, se recuperaron y caracterizaron un total de 1933 objetos correspon-dientes a fragmentos de metal, loza, cerámica y restos de fauna. Por otro lado, se registraron estructuras dando cuenta de la diversidad de materiales y técnicas constructivas observadas. Con el objetivo de preservar la cultura material hallada, se buscó registrar, describir y gestionar todos aquellos artefactos recuperados producto de la historia ocupacional de un sitio residencial durante los siglos XVIII, XIX y XX. Estos primeros acercamientos permitieron aportar información a los estudios de la dinámica y el uso del espacio urbano, enriqueciendo y complementando la historia documental de la ciudad. Por otra parte, fue posible demos-trar la importancia de actuar adecuadamente ante el impacto negativo que generan las nuevas construcciones en el patrimonio arqueológico local.
ABSTRACT · This paper presents preliminary results of an archaeological impact assessment in the center of Córdoba city. A total of 1,933 objects, corresponding to fragments of metal, crockery, pottery, and faunal remains were recovered and characterized. At the same time, some structures were revealed, which account for the diversity of materials and construction techniques. With the aim of preserving the cultural heritage found, all the recovered artifacts were recorded, described and managed, as an evidence of the occupational history of a residential site during the eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth centuries. These first approaches allowed us to contribute to the studies of the dynamics and use of urban spaces, enriching and complementing the documentary history of the city. Besides, it was possible to demonstrate the importance of acting against the negative impacts that new buildings can produce on local archaeological heritage.
Archaeopress. South American Archaeology Series;29, 2017
This work is part of a line of action proposed by the Institute of Anthropology of Córdoba (IDACO... more This work is part of a line of action proposed by the Institute of Anthropology of Córdoba (IDACOR), doubly dependent executing unit of the National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET) and the National University of Cordoba (UNC). This action requires the intervention of professional archaeologists in order to evaluate the impact produced by subsurface excavation in cases related to the development of real estate projects. Within this framework, in February 2014, there was the need to implement an archeological impact study on land under cadastral nomenclature 04-04-020-023 in the city of Cordoba, Argentina. The study was conducted in two instances. The first took place between the months of April and June 2014, consisting of various actions related to the systematic archaeological excavation, registration, conservation and interpretation of material culture recovered in depths between the surface and about 2.5 / 3m deep. The second stage, implemented between February and August 2015, consisted of the monitoring of the excavation while using heavy machinery allowed archaeologists to reach greater depths. The results of these tasks were submitted to the local authorities in five partial reports presented collectively here in order to have all the information available in one volume. As a result of the excavations it was possible to retrieve information about land use in the last two hundred years. Previous occupations have been masked or destroyed mostly by architectural interventions in the mid-nineteenth century and early twentieth century. However more than 30,000 objects recovered during the archaeological project help us to interpret the life of the people who inhabited these spaces, as well as local and international production and trade networks where they were integrated. Along with this, it was possible to recover significant portions of architectural structures that probably correspond to the eighteenth century, being the oldest constructive feature found on the parcel. This action, perhaps the most difficult due to the sheer scale of the objects, allowed the implementation of a novel technique for the recovery of archaeological objects in the city of Córdoba.