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Human predation contributed to the extinction of the Australian megafaunal bird Genyornis newtoni ∼47 ka

Author

Listed:
  • Gifford Miller

    (Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, University of Colorado
    University of Colorado
    Curtin University)

  • John Magee

    (Research School Earth Sciences, Australian National University)

  • Mike Smith

    (National Museum Australia)

  • Nigel Spooner

    (Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing and School of Physical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide,
    Defence Science and Technology Group, Edinburgh)

  • Alexander Baynes

    (Western Australian Museum)

  • Scott Lehman

    (Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, University of Colorado)

  • Marilyn Fogel

    (School of Natural Sciences, University of California)

  • Harvey Johnston

    (Office Environment and Heritage)

  • Doug Williams

    (Access Archaeology & Heritage)

  • Peter Clark

    (Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources)

  • Christopher Florian

    (Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, University of Colorado
    University of Colorado)

  • Richard Holst
  • Stephen DeVogel

    (Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, University of Colorado)

Abstract

Although the temporal overlap between human dispersal across Australia and the disappearance of its largest animals is well established, the lack of unambiguous evidence for human–megafauna interactions has led some to question a human role in megafaunal extinction. Here we show that diagnostic burn patterns on eggshell fragments of the megafaunal bird Genyornis newtoni, found at >200 sites across Australia, were created by humans discarding eggshell in and around transient fires, presumably made to cook the eggs. Dating by three methods restricts their occurrence to between 53.9 and 43.4 ka, and likely before 47 ka. Dromaius (emu) eggshell occur frequently in deposits from >100 ka to present; burnt Dromaius eggshell first appear in deposits the same age as those with burnt Genyornis eggshell, and then continually to modern time. Harvesting of their eggs by humans would have decreased Genyornis reproductive success, contributing to the bird’s extinction by ∼47 ka.

Suggested Citation

  • Gifford Miller & John Magee & Mike Smith & Nigel Spooner & Alexander Baynes & Scott Lehman & Marilyn Fogel & Harvey Johnston & Doug Williams & Peter Clark & Christopher Florian & Richard Holst & Steph, 2016. "Human predation contributed to the extinction of the Australian megafaunal bird Genyornis newtoni ∼47 ka," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 1-7, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:7:y:2016:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms10496
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms10496
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