Discovery of Ancient Osprey Remains at Vanguard Cave
Researchers at the Gorham’s Cave Complex continue to discover new and exciting animal remains. The procedure of processing remains in the laboratory and of their identification is protracted and may produce its surprises. Such is the case of a well-preserved osprey (Pandion haliaetus) humerus recently excavated from Vanguard Cave within the Gorham’s Cave Complex UNESCO World Heritage Site. Osprey remains are rare in Pleistocene sites and the Vanguard bone is the first for the Iberian Peninsula. It is dated to between 68 and 61 thousand years ago. The work was carried out under the supervision of the Gibraltar National Museum and the remains identified by expert Dr Antonio Sánchez Marco of the Madrid Museum of Natural Sciences.
