Understanding Animal Hoarding Behaviors

Hoarding is a fascinating and common behavior observed in many animal species. Various creatures store food in preparation for potential food shortages.

While you might already know that squirrels hide nuts and wall mice stash seeds, fire ants exhibit a unique hoarding strategy by storing excess food in the warmest areas of their nests to create what is sometimes referred to as “insect jerky.” This behavior is present in many animals, including humans.

Several other animals hoard materials for their homes. For example, decorator crabs gather seaweed, sea anemones, and sponges to adorn and camouflage their shells. Meanwhile, bonehouse hornets accumulate dead ants to fortify the entrances of their nests.

However, these examples pale in comparison to the impressive hoarding abilities of the bearded vulture (Gyphaetus barbatus).

With a wingspan reaching up to 3 meters (10 feet), bearded vultures rank among the largest birds of prey in Europe. These majestic raptors typically form lifelong pair bonds and return to the same cliffside nesting site annually.

During each breeding season, bearded vultures add new materials to their nests, creating layered structures. Often, these sites are reused across generations, transforming them into natural time capsules.

In 2025, a remarkable study revealed what scientists discovered when they examined 12 ancient, abandoned bearded vulture nests in southern Spain.

Alongside traditional nesting materials like sticks and feathers, researchers uncovered a staggering 2,483 “rich and well-preserved” artifacts. Most of these items were undigested remnants of prey, including hooves and eggshells, but about 10% were human-made objects.

Among the artifacts were 72 pieces of leather, 129 pieces of cloth, an unusual basket, a crossbow bolt, and parts of a slingshot.

Notably, one completed sandal and two unfinished examples known as Agovias were found. These sandals were traditionally woven from fibrous esparto grass and required regular maintenance.

Many of these artifacts, including sandals, date back to the Middle Ages, a period that spanned from the 5th to the late 15th century.

The precise reason for the bearded vultures’ collection of objects remains uncertain. One theory suggests they might be selecting materials to enhance their nests, while another posits an interest in preserving local history, potentially for their chicks.

Historically, the bearded vulture was prevalent in southern Spain; however, its population drastically declined in the 19th and 20th centuries due to severe persecution. Fortunately, conservation efforts have led to some recovery, and the species is now classified as near-threatened.

Thanks to the strategic locations of these ancient nests, the artifacts have been remarkably preserved over time.

A study detailing these findings noted: “The structural integrity of western Mediterranean bearded vulture nests, located in protected areas like caves and rock shelters, has allowed them to function as natural museums.”

Therefore, the bearded vulture not only stands out as one of nature’s most intriguing animals but also serves as a custodian of an extraordinary array of historical artifacts.

This article addresses the question (by Jackie Bryce from Chichester): “Are there any animals that hoard treasures?”

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