I saw two back-to-back articles (here and here, with the original paper published here) on the subject of bearded vulture nests being used as a source of archeological treasures. Fascinating.
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It seems bearded vultures, an Old World species, have nests that go back generations. Some of these nests, in fact, go back centuries. Biologists are learning that sometimes, over the course of time, the vultures have incorporated things in the construction or reinforcement of their nests that are of archeological interest. As a result, scientists have started examining these nests with a closer eye.
In northern Spain, archeologists found over 200 human artifacts, including a 650-year-old sandal made from woven twigs and grasses. Other finds include bits of rope, a crossbow bolt with a wooden lance, a slingshot, and bits of leather. How cool is that?
For obvious reasons, the scientists are only examining nests that are no longer in use, since they must tease them apart layer by layer. Since the vultures often nest in cliff caves, the cool, dry microclimates have proven to be perfect for preserving artifacts for centuries.
Nature is amazing.
That is pretty cool!
ReplyDeleteI heard a Bible teacher recently commenting on how vultures are increasing over where the battle of Armageddon will take place. Never really thought about that before, but they would have to be multiplying a while to fulfill their appointed role in that battle. It would be spooky to be there seeing numbers increase.
ReplyDeleteThey have an important role in our world. I don't think our county clears dead animals from the road at all. Just the vultures and other critters do that cleanup.
Very interesting, thanks.
ReplyDeleteFitty
So cool! I had to share that with my husband.
ReplyDeleteWow, amazing.
ReplyDelete