Heritage Cases

Description of the specimens and reasons for rescuing them: These fossils represent skeletal and cranial remains of an undetermined number of animals. From the photographs (Figs. 1 and 2) they include some material belonging to the genus Lystrosaurus (at least two specimens), which is an important stratigraphic marker of the early Triassic age (about 250-240 million years old). They also include at least one skull of a very rare cynodont (Fig. 3). As the direct ancestors of mammals, Triassic cynodonts are crucial to understanding the evolutionary origin of the mammalian lineage. It seems that the fossils are already exposed in natural gulleys and are being heavily weathered by rainfall and wind (Fig. 3). It is therefore urgent that these fossils are excavated before they are further damaged and forever lost to science. In addition, since the Oviston Nature reserve is accessible to the public, there is a chance that the fossils can be damaged or illegally collected by visitors unaware of their scientific value. Based on the information we received, the fossils are located close to the hiking trails and are thus easily accessible. Methods: Outcrops next to the hiking trails in the vicinity of the fossils will be explored visually by the members of the team. The last time the area was explored for fossils was in the 1970s, so we expect that more fossils than the ones already reported will be found. We aim at making minimum damage to the landscape, so no large dig will be opened, and collecting will be limited to the specimens that are already exposed to erosion. The localities of found fossils will be recorded using GPS, following which the specimens will be excavated and transported to the University of the Witwatersrand for further preparation and study. The fossils will be catalogued and stored at the Evolutionary Studies Institute of the University of the Witwatersrand (Johannesburg). The study of the cynodont fossil may result in a publication (in which case the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency will be acknowledged). Upon request, a cast of these fossils will be provided to the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency. Students involvement and community engagement: The fieldtrip to the Oviston Nature Reserve will involve staff and students from the University of the Witwatersrand. This will provide a valuable opportunity to train the students in fieldwork techniques. 80% of our students are from under-represented demographic in science (black, coloured and women). The students will learn how to safely extract fossils, how to make a plaster jacket to protect fossils and how to transport them safely to the lab for preparation. They will also learn the principles of Karoo biostratigraphy in the process. Finally, the team will engage the local community by sharing with the Eastern Cape Parks Office and the people at Oviston a free booklet about Karoo palaeontology (produced by the University of the Witwatersrand). This booklet is richly illustrated and serves as a support to explain why palaeontologists are looking for fossils. Time schedule: The rescue of the fossils should not take more than 3 days. The expected date is end-November (after the students completed their exams).