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ANIMALS

Mummified Birds Transported Hundreds of Miles Alive Across the World’s Longest Mountain Range

Mummified Birds Transported Hundreds of Miles Alive Across the World's Longest Mountain Range

Recent research has revealed an intriguing historical practice where traders transported parrots across the Andes Mountains over a thousand years ago. These vibrant birds were taken on a journey spanning over 300 miles, all the way from their native lands in the eastern Amazon to the dry regions of the Atamaca desert. The purpose behind this long-distance transportation was to trade their colorful feathers with consumers in the desert area. This fascinating discovery was made through the examination of six preserved bird species.

Image source: PNAS

The parrots were captured from their natural habitats while they were alive, and they were transported in cages attached to llamas. During the journey, they were fed corn to sustain them. The vendors would regularly pluck their colorful feathers, which held significant value in the societies of pre-Columbian South America. These valuable feathers were often kept in cases and were even buried with their owners as prized possessions.

The importance of bird feathers was well-known in South American societies before the Spanish invasion. However, the reasons behind mummifying the parrots have remained a mystery. Experts conducted research on a total of 27 samples, which included both complete and partially preserved specimens.

Image source: Pinterest

They utilized a device to remove the internal organs of the birds through their cloaca, the same opening through which their waste is expelled. Afterward, the birds were wrapped in cloth or bags. Researchers admit that they are uncertain about the reasons behind these practices.

The preserved birds, which were discovered to be around 900 years old, belonged to six different species: scarlet macaw, blue-and-yellow macaw, mealy amazon, yellow-crowned amazon, blue-fronted amazon, and mitered conure. By analyzing isotopes in their remains, scientists determined that these birds did not perish in the same region where they were born. This suggests that they were transported across the continent from the Amazon rainforest to the Atacama Desert, known as the driest place on Earth.

Image source: PNAS

Researchers speculate that ancient traders relied on llamas to transport the birds across the challenging Andes mountain range, which reaches heights of 10,000 feet. Despite llamas not being particularly strong for carrying heavy loads, traders somehow managed to use them to transport the birds across the mountains and the harsh desert to reach this oasis. This journey involved navigating vast plains, enduring cold weather, and overcoming difficult terrain, which surprises researchers given the llamas’ limitations.

Experts also suggest that the parrots were unable to cross the mountain range on their own. Furthermore, they believe that the treatment of these animals fell far short of today’s recognized standards for animal rights. Some birds were kept solely for their feathers, which were quickly plucked as soon as they reached a certain length.

Image source: PNAS

Researchers also discovered signs of parrots with trimmed claws and beaks, suggesting that they may have endured these conditions for extended periods. The majority of their remains date back to a period between 1100 and 1450 AD, spanning the transition from the Tiwanaku empire to the Inca empire.

The timeframe during which these mummified parrots were found coincided with a period of warfare, which surprisingly also saw significant commercial activity. Evidence of llama caravans on the move was discovered, indicating the transportation of goods. Most of the mummies were uncovered at Pica 8, an archaeological site located near a present-day trading center that serves as a hub for commerce.

Source: PNAS

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ANIMALS

Amazing Video of Unseen Ocean Creatures in the Ningaloo Canyons

Amazing Video of Unseen Ocean Creatures in the Ningaloo Canyons

The Schmidt Ocean Institute recently explored the Ningaloo Canyons on the western coast of Australia using a robotic underwater vehicle called the ROV Sebastian. Check out the amazing video of what they discovered in the deep parts of the Indian Ocean.

More info: Youtube

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ANIMALS

These Pics Are Art and the Artists Are Insects

These Pics Are Art and the Artists Are Insects

Flying insects move so quickly that they are hard to follow, but new technology and some smart ideas have helped Spanish photographer Xavi Bou do just that. After spending 10 years focusing on birds in flight for his Ornithographies project, he turned his attention to insects.

For Entomographies, he uses high-speed video footage taken by Adrian Smith, an insect expert at North Carolina State University, to study and record how insects move. Bou then picks multiple frames and combines them into single images that show the fast movements of one or more insects through space and time.

With Smith’s help, Bou has captured the aerial tricks of wasps, the jumps of leafhoppers, and the fluttering of butterflies in amazing detail. He hopes that by doing this, he can make people more aware of the decline in important insect populations around the world.

1. Zebra longwing

This butterfly, which is common in many areas of the Americas, really fits its name. It can fly very high with just a few flaps of its large wings.

Image source: nationalgeographic

2. Two-lined spittlebug

This insect, which comes from the eastern United States, is often seen as a pest because it likes to eat grass. Its springy back legs can make it jump into the air like a rocket.

Image source: nationalgeographic

3. Yellow-collared scape moth

Unlike most moths, this North American species flies during the day. Its shiny blue-black wings sparkle in the sunlight.

Image source: nationalgeographic

4. Ailanthus webworm moths

These tropical moths have spread farther north in the U.S. Because of their larval host, the invasive tree of heaven, they are now one of the most common backyard moths in the country.

Image source: nationalgeographic

5. Common stonefly

Mostly found in eastern North America, this insect starts its life as an underwater nymph in forested streams or rivers. Then it leaves the water, sheds its skin, and becomes an adult with wings.

Image source: nationalgeographic

6. Green lacewings

Eighty-seven species of this insect have been found in the U.S. and Canada. Since they eat a lot of unwanted plant pests like aphids and mites, they are often used to naturally control these pests.

Image source: nationalgeographic

7. Grapevine beetle

This insect, fittingly named, eats the leaves and fruit of grapevines, both wild and farmed, but it doesn’t do much damage to the plants. As a type of scarab beetle, it often flies in a curved path.

Image source: nationalgeographic

8. Oak treehopper and green treehopper

Treehoppers are known for their uniquely shaped pronotum, the part behind their head, which often looks like plant parts to hide from predators. They can jump well thanks to special muscles.

Image source: nationalgeographic

9. Banded orange

This brightly colored butterfly can be found from Mexico to Brazil. Before mating season, male butterflies look for mineral salts, sometimes even drinking salty fluids from the skin, eyes, and nostrils of other animals.

Image source: nationalgeographic

10. Sapho longwing

Longwings can live for 6 to 7 months, longer than most butterflies. This type, found from Mexico to Ecuador, has shiny blue wings, which is why it’s also called the Sapphire longwing.

Image source: nationalgeographic

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ANIMALS

Eagle and Fox in an Epic Midair Battle Over a Rabbit, Were Captured by a Photographer

Eagle and Fox in an Epic Midair Battle Over a Rabbit, Were Captured by a Photographer

Wildlife photography often depends on the perfect combination of good timing and the right place.

That’s exactly what happened when Kevin Ebi, an experienced wildlife photographer, captured an incredible battle between a bald eagle and a red fox, both competing for a rabbit meal.

In a detailed blog post, Ebi shares the fascinating series of events that unfolded while he was photographing foxes in San Juan Island National Historical Park, located in Washington state.

Ebi noticed a lively group of eight fox kits as they began their hunting lessons. Suddenly, they spotted a rabbit, and a thrilling chase ensued. Eventually, one of the foxes emerged as the winner, proudly carrying the rabbit across the field.

Image source: Kevin Ebi

Ebi shares what happened at that moment: “As I followed the fox with my camera, a sudden bald eagle cry caught my attention. It was swiftly approaching, clearly aiming for the rabbit. I quickly focused on the fox, anticipating a quick turnover of events.”

To Ebi’s astonishment, instead of a quick surrender, the situation turned into a intense fight in the air.

The eagle used its power to lift the fox and rabbit high up in the sky. Even while airborne, the fox attempted to break free by swinging back and forth.

Image source: Kevin Ebi

Image source: Kevin Ebi

Image source: Kevin Ebi

In the end, the eagle moved the rabbit to its other claw, causing the fox to let go. The intense battle came to an end in less than 10 seconds.

Image source: Kevin Ebi

For those worried about the fox’s well-being after the fight, Ebi reassures that it was not injured. The fox swiftly bounced back from the encounter and resumed its playful behavior with the other young foxes, showing no visible wounds from the aerial clash.

Image source: Kevin Ebi

Image source: Kevin Ebi

Image source: Kevin Ebi

Image source: Kevin Ebi

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