Antipodean Perspectives on Zooarchaeology: Behavioral Ecology, Taphonomy, and Applied Research

Abstract

Zooarchaeological research in New Zealand has a particularly long history, dating from the 1870s. Over the last century, it has both followed larger trends in the discipline and developed innovative approaches. Three types of research that reflect these broader movements and novel approaches are identified in this historical review of New Zealand archeofaunal studies. First, zooarchaeological studies have been used to not only illustrate human impacts on the environment, but also to examine the consequences of anthropogenic environmental change for resident human populations. Second, taphonomic research, beginning with Julius von Haast's qualitative examinations of moahunter butchering patterns, is considered, particularly studies relating to butchery and carnivore damage. Finally, examples of New Zealand research that are poised to make significant contributions to the burgeoning field of applied zooarchaeology are highlighted.

Recent Progress, Trends, and Developments in Island and Coastal Archaeology

“…Morales et al (2009) extended this to the Canary Islands, noting widespread transformation from initial colonization during the Late Holocene. Nagaoka and Allen (2009) draw on research in New Zealand, which shows a clear case of human influence on extinction, but also one where other processes lead to the decline in concert with other forces (habitat alteration, climate). The complex nature of island extinctions was also noted by Jones et al (2008) for the California Coast, suggesting that the extinction of the flightless duck (Chendytes lawi) was protracted and followed millennia of human hunting (see also Rick et al 2012b).…”