Taphonomic aspects of crowned hawk-eagle predation on monkeys

Area of Science:

• Paleontology
• Archaeology
• Zoology

Background:

• Crowned hawk-eagles (Stephanoaetus coronatus) are powerful African predators, preying significantly on cercopithecoid monkeys.
• Previous hypotheses suggest large raptors, like crowned hawk-eagles, may be responsible for fossil accumulations, such as the Taung site.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a taphonomic analysis of crowned hawk-eagle prey remains.
• To identify unique bone damage and survival patterns indicative of raptor predation.
• To assess the applicability of these patterns to fossil assemblages, specifically the Taung faunal site.

Main Methods:

• Collected and analyzed 37 months of prey remains from below crowned hawk-eagle nests in Ngogo, Kibale National Park, Uganda.
• Examined skeletal material for patterns of bone damage and differential survival.
• Compared observed patterns with hypotheses regarding raptor predation on fossil hominid remains.

Main Results:

• Monkeys, particularly redtail monkeys (Cercopithecus ascanius), comprised 81% of the Ngogo prey sample.
• Crania, hindlimb elements, and scapulae showed higher survival rates.
• Distinct damage patterns, including nicks and perforations on thin bones and shattering of scapulae, were observed.
• Adult crania were typically complete, while juvenile crania were often dissociated.

Conclusions:

• The specific prey composition and bone taphonomy of crowned hawk-eagle kills present a recognizable signature.
• These findings support the hypothesis that large raptors may have contributed to the accumulation of the Taung fossil assemblage.
• Further detailed analysis of the Taung fauna is needed to confirm raptor involvement.