Tablelands Bird Talk

Birds in past human societies: can we learn about our future?

Presented by Umberto Albarella – Dept. of Archaeology, University of Sheffield, UK.

Zooarchaeology is the branch of archaeology that studies animal remains. Birds are a substantial part of this investigation as they have played an important role in shaping human’s past. In this talk, the potential of avian zooarchaeology to inform conservation strategies will be discussed, and examples provided. It will be argued that, in our interpretation of current bird populations and behaviour, both the recent and more distant past matter. Interaction with humans is fundamental in our understanding of birds, and, as such, archaeology has a role to play in this investigation. Suggestions about how bird conservationists and zooarchaeologists can work more closely together will be put forward.

For more information, please contact Sam and Martin Willis on samnmart@gmail.com.