Elliot Formation Vertebrate Fossil Rescue

The depositional environment of the Golden Gate Highlands National Park (GGHNP) Mesozoic sediments appears to be conducive to preserving very small fossils, making it a crucial data collection area for reconstructing palaeoenvironments and ecosystems. These small vertebrate fossils are very susceptible to erosion and weathering. During a recent prospecting trip, three vertebrate fossils were identified: 2 x small unidentified semi articulated vertebrate skeletons and some disarticulated dinosaur material over a large surface including theropod cranial bones). These are located in the upper Elliot Formation of GGHNP (near the Golden Gate Hotel and Glen Reenen rest Camp, Free State, South Africa).
- Small articulated vertebrate skeleton 1, GG-25-BH-TINY SKELETON in attached pictures, S -28.510553°, E 28.623612°
- Small articulated vertebrate skeleton 2, GG-25-BL-SKELETON-TINY in attached pictures, S -28.514926°, E 28.629056°
- disarticulated dinosaur material over a large surface including theropod cranial bones, GG-25-CH in attached pictures, S -28.506310°, E 28.610370°

These small fossils are exposed on the surface, fragile, and in some cases have already started eroding away. We would like to rescue (surface collect and excavate) these fossils before the rainy season in order to ensure their preservation. This will be done in collaboration with SANParks to ensure the appropriate protocols are followed in the national park, and required site rehabilitation will be performed. Collected specimens will be reposited at the ESI, Wits University.