In a study recently published in the New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics on August 27, the results of a remarkable discovery of fossilized remains of theLate Pliocene.
Such precious fossils were unearthed during construction work carried out three years ago. The discovery turned out to be a true jewel of paleontology.
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They represent one of the most abundant and diverse groups of fauna ever found in New Zealand, dating back to approximately 3 million years ago.
Experts conducted meticulous excavations under a mound of sand located near the Māngere Wastewater Treatment Plant in Auckland city.
During this process, an incredible 300,000 fossils were recovered, shedding light on the ecosystem that existed millions of years ago.
This remarkable discovery provides invaluable insight into biodiversity and environmental conditions of New Zealand in the Late Pliocene, expanding our knowledge of the natural history of region.
Furthermore, the extensive collection of fossils now available for study will allow scientists deepen their understanding of the evolution of species and the climate changes that have occurred throughout millennia.
Therefore, the find not only connects us with New Zealand's distant past, but also contributes to a more extensive understanding of Earth's history.
This extraordinary revelation was made during the excavation of two large vertical shafts. magnitude, carried out by Auckland Watercare, the local company responsible for water treatment in the city.
Wells were being dug to install the main pipeline that transports raw sewage from the city's central area for treatment.
In this operation, a layer of fossilized shells was exposed, revealing a paleontological treasure. Within this bed, scientists were able to identify no less than 266 different fossil species.
What makes the discovery even more intriguing is the fact that, among such species, at least 10 of them are completely unknown to science.
The unpublished specimens now await detailed analysis and investigation in future studies, in which they will be carefully described and named.
(Photo: Bruce W. Hayward/Reproduction)
Watercare and its contractors were excited about the discovery of the significant fossil deposit and actively supported the research. They allowed the addition of sand to facilitate paleontological investigations.
In addition, they funded two paleontology postgraduate students, supervised by Auckland Museum curator Wilma Blom, to study the thousands of fossils recovered.
(Photo: Bruce W. Hayward/Reproduction)
The fossils are approximately 3 to 3.7 million years old and originated in an ancient aquatic environment that used to be part of Manukau Harbor.
This occurred during a period when sea levels were higher due to a warmer global climate, resulting in subtropical species, whose modern relatives are found in the waters of the Kermadec Islands and Norfolk.
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