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New perspectives on the ecology of early domestic fowl: an interdisciplinary approach.

Pitt, J, Gillingham, P.K., Maltby, M. and Stewart, J. R., 2016. New perspectives on the ecology of early domestic fowl: an interdisciplinary approach. Journal of Archaeological Science, 74 (Oct), 1-10.

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Pitt et al Ecology of early domestic fowl revised.pdf - Accepted Version

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DOI: 10.1016/j.jas.2016.08.004

Abstract

Introduced into Europe during the Bronze- and Iron Ages as an exotic, non-native species, very little is currently understood about the origins and spread of early domestic fowl, Gallus gallus domesticus. Ecological niche modelling of extant Red Junglefowl, Gallus gallus, presents a unique opportunity to examine historical ecological implications associated with its descendant, the chicken, in early stages of domestication. We model the environmental conditions associated with Red Junglefowl populations both in south-east Asia, where the bird originates, and populations transported further afield as a consequence of human interaction. This allows us to establish the full extent of the ecological tolerance of the ancestor bird. We show that potential for suitable sets of environmental conditions for Red Junglefowl in Europe ranges from poor to limited, based on both current climate and when projecting to mid-Holocene (ca. 4000BC) climate simulations. This suggests that human intervention played a vital contribution during early domestication to ensure the future widespread success of the chicken. These conclusions offer new insights into the archaeological evidence. We identify areas in the native range as the probable location of first domestication, and not China as has been suggested. We suggest that a dispersal route into Europe via the Mediterranean offers the best ecological potential to aid survival for a recently domesticated version of this species. Identifying the environmental tolerances of Red Junglefowl may also aid future conservation of this species, now highly endangered in its true wild form.

Item Type:Article
ISSN:0305-4403
Uncontrolled Keywords:Red Junglefowl; Chicken; Domestication; Ecological niche models; Maxent
Group:Faculty of Science & Technology
ID Code:24552
Deposited By: Symplectic RT2
Deposited On:24 Aug 2016 11:30
Last Modified:14 Mar 2022 13:58

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