¿Intensificación? en el aprovechamiento de aves entre los cazadores-recolectores-pescadores de la región del canal Beagle

Abstract

We discuss here the nature of the processes of change concerning the use of birds in the region of the Beagle Channel, which took place in recent times of the prehistoric sequence of occupation (from about 1500 years BP). It is pointed out the existence of an intensification process linked to fishing in late moments. Meanwhile, with respect to the use of birds, variations have been found for the same period, characterized by three main factors: proportional increase of bird remains compared to other resources of higher return rates (e.g.: pinnipeds, guanacos); sites with almost exclusive presence of cormorants bones and the increase in the use of pelagic birds (Procellariiformes in particular). This paper examines whether these trends of change in the use of birds may or may not be understood as part of a broader reorganization of subsistence oriented towards intensification in the exploitation of certain resources.