Long-term interactions between avifauna and humans in the southern Andean Puna during the Late-Holocene

Abstract

By comparing the present and past avifauna, we investigate the human practices that involved the knowledge and interaction with birds during the Late-Holocene in Puna Austral Argentina. Ethnoarchaeological methodology was used, which included the analysis of feathers recovered from archeologicalexcavations and interviews with local people. Interviews and bird observations were carried out in the spring/summer months, and in some cases theinterviewees accompanied us to make the sightings. The results show a correspondence between current and past bird populations for some species ofPasseriformes, Strigiformes, Rheiformes, and Anseriformes. Continuity was observed in the interaction of people with certain birds. This is linked to theirfarming and livestock lifestyle. Currently this situation is changing due to the increasing expansion of mining activities. This research establishes a baselineto compare the consequences of mining on avifauna and the local population.