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

Abstract

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.