For centuries, indigenous people have inhabited Amazon forests, with Panda organization reporting that over three thousand indigenous territories have been identified within the Amazon Biome.
Recently, an archaeological study uncovered over 10,000 Pre-Columbian archaeological sites throughout the Amazonian bases.
Scientists analyzed the undiscovered sites using remote sensing data and predictive spatial modeling. The researchers found 24 unreported human-made earthworks, including fortified villages, defensive and ceremonial structures, mountaintop settlements, and other geoglyphs.
Predictive spatial distribution model
According to a statement by the researchers, they also developed a predictive spatial distribution model, estimating between 10,272 and 23,648 large-scale pre-Columbian structures that remain undiscovered, particularly in southwestern Amazonia.
The study’s method aimed to explore the influence of pre-Columbian societies on the Amazon region. The authors stated:
“The massive extent of archaeological sites and widespread human-modified forests across Amazonia is critically important for establishing an accurate understanding of interactions between human societies, Amazonian forests, and Earth’s climate.”
The Amazon basin has sheltered indigenous communities for more than 12,000 years. As a result, the society shaped the region with its ancient earthwork structures and cultivated landscapes, which continue to influence the composition of contemporary forests.
However, there needs to be more understanding of the size and scope of settlements and changes in the Amazon, as the sites are in remote areas and covered by dense vegetation.
Uncovering undiscovered pre-Columbian sites
There have been limited studies of the pre-Columbian sites across the Amazon basin. Therefore, the researchers conducted a comprehensive survey and utilized an airborne LIDAR (light detection and ranging) – a remote sensing technique to map slight alterations in topography on the ground’s surface under the forest cover.
This technique was used to discover the formerly undiscovered pre-Columbian structures and earthworks in heavily forested sites throughout Central and South America, the statement reported.
The team of researchers analyzed nearly 2,052 square miles (5,315 square kilometers) of LIDAR survey data, but the LIDAR methodology just covered about 0.08 percent of Amazonia’s total area, according to the study.
The statement noted, “To better understand where and how many undocumented pre-Columbian sites might occur, the researchers combined the data from their small basin-wide survey, as well as data on other previously identified sites with a predictive spatial distribution model.”
The model predicted that there are approximately 10,272 to 23,648 substantial pre-Columbian structures awaiting discovery, with a focus on the southwestern Amazonia region.
The authors found a significant link between the likelihood of ancient earthworks and the presence of cultivated trees. This association suggests that how indigenous people managed forests in the past still affects how the Amazon forests are today.
The authors highlighted: “Amazonian forests clearly merit protection not only for their ecological and environmental value but also for their high archaeological, social, and biocultural value, which can teach modern society how to sustainably manage its natural resources.”
The study was published earlier today in the journal Science