#naracoorte

And here there result of the Naracoorte #paleostream! This classic Australian megafauna assemblage is a well preserved treasure trove in South Australia that gives us a glimpse at a fauna just before the arrival of humans. Subsequently a large portion of the...

fossils here are actually species that are still around today. It's a world that opens the eyes for all that we have lost over the last 100k years. Although this area was more humid in the past and probably more lush, it actually doesn't appear to differ that much from the...

landscape we see today. The open woodland was habitat for many animals, especially marsupials, ranging from giant Diprotodon to tiny sugar gliders. Most astonishing is probably the diversity of kangaroos of which many reached sizes we no longer see today...

While Procoptodon is a well known taxon there where many other large sthenurines and giant kangaroos from other families. As you can see in this size chart by Discord member Gnath, this results in something that might remind one of the gazelle and antelope diversity of Africa.

Enjoying the Blue Hour down at the Mullinger Swamp, Naracoorte 

Reflections

The perfectly still waters of Alexandra Cave in South Australia reflect the stalactites hanging tight to the ceiling above it that have precipitated drop by drop from water supersaturated in calcium carbonate. Part of the world heritage Naracoorte Caves in the limestone area in the south of the state, the park contains 26 caves of varying beauty and interest. Some of the cave contain world famous fossil deposits of extinct animals including Australian megafauna, mostly extinct since the arrival of humanity on the island continent.

There are two layers of limestone here, interrupted by a gap of non deposition of nearly 180 million years, creating an unconformity in the rocks deduced from the fossils that they entomb. Most of the rock is 200 million years old, as the Triassic era ended and the world of the dinosaurs was taking shape. Groundwater during wet areas has carved out the caverns, which trapped the animals that were discovered fossilised within, preserved within layers of blown in topsoil up to 20 metres thick. The area also contains live fauna, including grey kangaroos, possums and wombats.

Loz

Image credit: dmmaus