Heritage Cases

The Upper Varswater Formation at Langebaanweg (early Pliocene, South Africa) produced not only an enormous diversity of mammals (e.g., Hendey 1981), but also an especially rich avifauna. In fact, this site is regarded as one of the largest assemblages of pre-Pleistocene bird bones in the world with more than 90 bird species representing over 35 family taxa (Manegold et al. 2013). The fossil avifauna at Langebaanweg also comprised at least one species of falcon (Falconidae), and at least four species of hawks and relatives (Accipitridae), (Rich 1980; Manegold et al. 2013). Although these remains are rare in the fossil record of Langebaanweg (Manegold et al. 2013), the study of the remaining diurnal raptor species will complete the analysis of the Avian top predators which are also responsible of the accumulation of the small- to middle-sized vertebrates. In addition, some of the falcon and hawk species have precise ecological needs, thus this new study could give new and precise information on the early Pliocene environment of the Langebaanweg area. The recent visit to Iziko Museum allows me to better the knowledge of the diurnal raptors still undescribed, with the definitive discovery of 6 taxa, 4 Accipitridae and 2 Falconidae, at least 4 of them which could be described as new for the science. During my stay I could describe most of the remains and compare them with the recent bird skeletons collection and define my conclusions. On the other hand, the specimens are so numerous and the time is not enough to finish all the work needed for the publication of the results. These final stages of the work can be done using the facilities we have at Torino University, in particular the recent bird skeletons collection, literature and appropriate photographic instruments. The study of the Langebaanweg fossil avifauna is an ongoing project in which I’ll describe all the bird taxa and after the diurnal birds of prey, my plan is to work on Parrots (Psittacidae), of which we found new material, and Swift (Apodidae) which are never been described. For these reasons, I’m asking for the loan of some specimens of three Accipitridae species and some of the recently found bones of Psittacidae and Apodidae. These bones will be kept in the Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra of the Torino University under my direct care and will be returned to Iziko in the next research mission, which is already planned for February 2022. Specimens will be returned by no later than 1 March 2022, as agreed.