First fossil record of a Turkey vulture (Cathartes aura) in northeast of Brazil: Taxonomy, ichnology, and taphonomic history

Abstract

Aves are relatively rare as fossils in cave environments in Brazil, particularly in the Northeast region, where, until now, only one individual has been registered in a cave in Bahia. Here we focus on the taxon identification, ichnology, and biostratinomic analysis of avian remains discovered at Toca da Boa Vista cave, Campo Formoso, Bahia, Brazil. Taxonomic and anatomical identification of the elements was conducted and compared with those of individuals housed in museum zoological collections. The marks on the elements were observed following ichnotaxonomic guidelines and compared with descriptions of ichnotaxa on bone substrates, while macroscopic biostratinomic characteristics were individually analyzed. The elements were identified as belonging to Catharthes aura. Notably, perforations on ulna and tibiotarsus were attributed to the ichnospecies Nihilichnus nihilicus, likely made by a felid. Although the cause of death remains undetermined, the evidence suggests that the individual probably died inside the cave. Decay characteristics point to low scavenger activity, and the presence of all groups of transportation, the absence of abrasion, a low stage of weathering, and the knowledge ethological and ecological about C. aura further support this hypothesis.