Past distribution of the Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) in the Lesser Antilles: New evidence from Saint Martin and Guadeloupe (F.W.I.)

Recent excavations from late Pleistocene to Historical period sites on the islands of Guadeloupe and Saint Martin yielded bones Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia). The osteological description remains combined with location fossil-bearing historical accounts show this owl have been present across in periods. This species has identified multiple archaeological sites, including those reported here, attesting near continuous distribution throughout pre-Columbian north Lesser Antilles. Taken together, these results challenge previous hypothesis a relict as consequence climatically induced modifications Caribbean environment since last glaciation.