PRJNA480111
Pterocnemia pennata Raw sequence reads
Rheas have been an important food source to human communities in South America, providing ample meat and eggs, and thus playing a crucial role in the development of South American societies. Two extant species currently exist: Rhea americana (greater rhea) and Rhea pennata (lesser rhea). Both species occupy distinct geographical regions except for an overlapping area in Argentina near the north of Río Negro, southwest of the Pampa region. Identifying these two species in the archaeological record based on morphological traits can be difficult, due to little pronounced differentiating features. This is problematic when attempting to retrace the ancient geographical distribution of these rhea species, and the role they played in specific societies. The aim of this paper is thus to test whether or not we can use genetic data to differentiate between the two species, and to confirm previously assigned species to archaeological specimens. This is the first study conducted on ancient Rheas and will no doubt become a crucial tool in identifying the Rhea species present on other archaeological sites and the roles they played in the diet. Our research also addresses current conservation issues, comparing the past and modern distribution of these birds, and we hope it will help inform on future policies for the conservation of these birds.