
                Beard donkeys usually carry the material of food and nests to the nest. (A) An adult bearded donkey with a sheep limit before taking to the nest. (B) An example of an ancient bearded donkey’s nest, which has been examined by the species for centuries, and is easily made of white -colored falls of the asparter grass made of anthropic objects, and in general, white. Photos: (a) Antoni Margalida; (B) Sergio Cotto. Credit: Environment (2025) DOI: 10.1002/ECY.70191
            
Many people have probably seen birds picking up small pieces of human -made material, such as plastic bags or paper dirt strips, and taking them to their nest. It seems that this behavior is quite wide in birds. What is unique about some of the large species of birds, such as some donkeys, eagles and folks, is that if the same nest has been used for centuries if it lives in a safe place. The generations of generations will continue to capture and incorporate content in these nests for hundreds of years.
These behavior is well documentary in bearded donkeys, which is a threat that makes mountain caves, rock shelters or nests in cornis. Beard donkey can often be found in European mountain ranges, especially in parliament. In many of these areas, the environment is dry, especially in the cave -like structures where nests are found, which creates an ideal environment for long -term protection.
A decade ago, a group of researchers in Spain had the opportunity to examine 12 of these nests in detail. His study was recently published in the journal Environment And discuss the amazing results.
He says, “Between 2008 and 2014, we conducted a severe research focusing on more than 50 well-protected historical beard nests in some parts of South Spain, where the species disappeared 70-130 years ago. A total of 12 nests were examined, and the remains were identified and the layer was identified.”
The team imposed a rifle through centuries of donkey egg shells, hunting remnants, and nesting materials, and also found 226 items that were made or changed by humans. They provide a window from the region to past environmental systems and human cultures. The reservoir included items like espart grass, shoes, crossbo bolts, sheep -decorated pieces and wooden lance shot.

                A collection of crafts material found in ancient bearded donkey nest. Credit: Environment (2025) DOI: 10.1002/ECY.70191
            
According to carbon 14 dating, even more surprising was that many items were more than 600 years old. The results of a shoe were about 6,675 years ago, while the decorated leather was about 650 years ago. However, several dating revealed several periods, which had a piece of basket about 150 years ago.
The authors write, “In the western Mediterranean, thanks to the solidarity of bearded donkey structures and their locations, in generally safe places such as relatively stable temperatures and low humidity caves and shelters of rocks, they have done good and natural museums.
In addition to human -made objects, researchers got 2,117 bones, 86 bells, 72 leather remains, 11 balls remaining and 43 egg shells. The team notes that these studies and its results can provide information about the temporary
Traffic spectrum, past environment and changes in wild and domestic species. “
They also call these nests a powerful tool for the environment, geometric diversity trends, and further investigation and understanding climate change. These results can potentially be notified of residence restoration and recruitment of species.
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More information:
												Anthony Margalida Et El, bearded donkey as a collector of historical remains: insights for future environmental and bio -cultural studies, Environment (2025) DOI: 10.1002/ECY.70191
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Reference: Cultural samples were found in bearded donkey nests-some 650 years of age (2025, October 2) 2 October 2025 https://phys.org/news/20-25-10-barded-Vulture-der-urds-urtifacts.html.
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