Birds Above the Hobbits’ Heads - Tales from a Small Island Far, Far Away

Embark on a captivating journey through time and space in this 1-hour 21-minute lecture by Dr. Hanneke Meijer from the University of Bergen, Norway. Explore the unique prehistoric ecosystem of Flores, an island in eastern Indonesia, that was once home to small hominins, pygmy elephants, giant storks, and vultures. Discover the fascinating research behind these strange animals and their mysterious disappearance from this remote island 50,000 years ago. Delve into the groundbreaking discoveries at Liang Bua cave, including Homo floresiensis, and examine various hypotheses about its origins. Uncover the diverse fauna that coexisted with the "Hobbits," from Komodo dragons to rats and birds. Learn about the intriguing presence of vultures and their role in the island's ecosystem, brought to life through paleoart. Gain insights into the collaborative efforts of the "Fellowship of the Hobbit" research team and their contributions to our understanding of this extraordinary ancient world.