St Bathans fauna, Paleontological site in Central Otago District, New Zealand
The St Bathans fossil deposits contain remains of mammals, birds, crocodiles, turtles, skinks, tuatara, and geckoes from the Early Miocene period.
Scientists discovered nontherian mammal fossils at this location in 2006, changing the previous belief that bats were the only native land mammals in New Zealand.
The research site provides essential information about New Zealand's prehistoric ecosystem, revealing the presence of extinct species and their evolution over millions of years.
The fossil layers extend across multiple locations along the Manuherikia River near the former gold mining settlement of St Bathans.
The deposits formed in sediments of an ancient freshwater lake that covered 5600 square kilometers during a period of subtropical climate 19-16 million years ago.
Location: Central Otago District
GPS coordinates: -44.90000,169.90000
Latest update: March 2, 2025 22:01
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