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A fossil vertebrate fauna accumulated by laughing owls (Sceloglaux albifacies) on the Gouland Downs, northwest Nelson, South Island

  • Publication Type

    Journal Article

  • Publication Year

    2001

  • Author(s)

    T.H. Worthy

  • Journal Name

    Notornis

  • Volume, Issue

    48, 4

  • Pagination

    225-233

  • Article Type

    Paper

  • DOI

Keywords

fossil fauna; Gouland Downs; laughing owl; New Zealand; prey remains; Sceloglaux; taphonomy


A fossil vertebrate fauna accumulated by laughing owls (Sceloglaux albifacies) on the Gouland Downs, northwest Nelson, South Island

Notornis, 48 (4), 225-233

T.H. Worthy (2001)

Article Type: Paper

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A rich fossil fauna accumulated by laughing owls (Sceloglaux albifacies) during the Holocene, is described from GD101 Cave, on the Gouland Downs, northwest Nelson, South Island, New Zealand. Twenty-eight species of bird, a tuatara, 3 frogs, at least 4 geckos, 1 skink, 2 bats, and 2 fish contribute to the species diversity. The fauna includes the first inland fossil record of New Zealand dotterel (Charadrius obscurus). The taphonomy of the deposit and the diet of the owl are discussed.