Neotaphonomic insights from modern owl pellets in the Ararat Depression (Armenia): Implications for Middle Paleolithic microvertebrate accumulations
Journal: Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences
Year: 2026

Predator-accumulated microvertebrate assemblages preserve high-resolution records of past ecosystems, yet their interpretation requires robust modern analogues. Here, we present the first neotaphonomic study of owl pellets from the Ararat Depression (Armenia), a key biogeographic corridor of the Armenian Highlands. By comparing modern prey assemblages accumulated by the Eurasian Eagle-owl (Bubo bubo) and the Little Owl (Athene noctua), we evaluate predator-specific taphonomic signatures and thei