A fossil discovered near Kemmerer, Wyoming, may be the first of its kind and is the largest mammal found to date, in the 50-million-year-old Green River Formation.
Officials with the Wyoming State Geological Survey say the discovery of an ancient tapiromorph, may support a North American origin of tapirs that in modern times typically inhabit jungles and forests in South and Central America and Southeastern Asia.
“Properly preparing the specimen with special attention to keeping soft tissue fossilization intact is important for future research,” says Andrea Loveland, geologist at the WSGS.
Rick Hebdon, owner of Warfield Fossil Quarries, collected the fossil in summer 2016. The specimen was found in several pieces, damaged by weathering and roots. Officials say the majority of the animal’s teeth are missing, and its skull is damaged.
“My understanding is that this is definitely the first occurrence of this fossil in the Green River Formation and, depending on which of the [identifications] is correct, could be the first of its kind ever. More work on this specimen is needed after it has been prepared,” says Dr. Mark Clementz of the University of Wyoming Department of Geology and Geophysics.
Researcher Mike Eklund will prepare the specimen under a microscope with time-lapse photography. Still photography under different angles of visible light and ultraviolet light will help detect detail and soft tissue fossilization.
According to a WSGS statement, the specimen was found on a state-leased quarry and surrendered to state custody due to its distinction as a rare specimen per the Office of State Lands and Investments fossil permit regulations.
After the preparation process is complete, the fossil will be housed at the WSGS and available for scientific research and display at museums.
The WSGS serves as a repository for state-owned fossils.
“The discovery of the Green River Formation fossil is exciting for the state of Wyoming,” says Laura Vietti, University of Wyoming Department of Geology and Geophysics. “Not only is it an important fossil discovery for science, it also represents a unique collaboration between private collectors, Wyoming agencies, and the University of Wyoming.”
The public can learn more about the fossil and follow progress of its preparation on the WSGS’ website. Also, look for weekly updates on the agency’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages.
A #fossilized tapiromorph discovered near Kemmerer, #Wyoming, may be the first of its kind & is the largest #mammal found to date in the #GreenRiverFormation: https://t.co/Ij6gpC0dZp. It’s also @WorldTapirDay! #WyomingTapiromorph #tapir #fossil #paleontology #FossilFriday pic.twitter.com/TFn3S6yGbw
— WY Geological Survey (@WyGeoSurvey) April 27, 2018
