For Subscribers

WORLD FOCUS

Tussle over fossils in China

Scientists in Beijing want to study specimens found in fossil-rich Liaoning, but regional officials prefer them housed in local museums

Palaeontologists in Beijing say it is getting increasingly difficult to do fossil digs in Liaoning because local officials want to keep fossils in their province to build museums, such as the Palaeontological Fossil National Geo-park in Chaoyang. — Palaeontologists in Beijing say it is getting increasingly difficult to do fossil digs in Liaoning because local officials want to keep fossils in their province to build museums, such as the Palaeontological Fossil National Geo-park in Chaoyang.ST PHOTO: DANSON CHEONG

The fossil of a microraptor, a four-winged feathered dinosaur, displayed at Fossil Valley museum in Chaoyang city, in Liaoning province. — The fossil of a microraptor, a four-winged feathered dinosaur, displayed at Fossil Valley museum in Chaoyang city, in Liaoning province.ST PHOTO: DANSON CHEONG

Mr Cui Dongmin, a park ranger at the Beipiao Bird Fossil National Nature Reserve, beside a heap of shale rocks, many of which hold fossilised remains of ancient creatures. — Mr Cui Dongmin, a park ranger at the Beipiao Bird Fossil National Nature Reserve, beside a heap of shale rocks, many of which hold fossilised remains of ancient creatures.ST PHOTO: DANSON CHEONG

The Beipiao Bird Fossil National Nature Reserve in Liaoning province. Beipiao, a county-level region near Chaoyang, is among the several epicentres of a dinosaur boom in the 90s and noughties. — The Beipiao Bird Fossil National Nature Reserve in Liaoning province. Beipiao, a county-level region near Chaoyang, is among the several epicentres of a dinosaur boom in the 90s and noughties.ST PHOTO: DANSON CHEONG

An exhibit showing rock strata at the Palaeontological Fossil National Geo-park. — An exhibit showing rock strata at the Palaeontological Fossil National Geo-park.ST PHOTO: DANSON CHEONG

Danson Cheong China Correspondent In Chaoyang, Liaoning province

Published:

Dec 10, 2019, 5:00 am SGT

The sound of shale crunching underfoot fills the air as Mr Cui Dongmin climbs a mound at the Beipiao Bird Fossil National Nature Reserve.

Picking up a piece of shale, he casually splits it apart with a rock to reveal the fossilised remains of a plant from millions of years ago.

Please subscribe or log in to continue reading the full article.

Get unlimited access to all stories at $0.99/month

Latest headlines and exclusive stories
In-depth analyses and award-winning multimedia content
Get access to all with our no-contract promotional package at only $0.99/month for the first 3 months*

*Terms and conditions apply.

STRAITS TIMES GRAPHICS

Sign up for the ST Asian Insider newsletter to get exclusive insights into Asia from our network of overseas correspondents.

Topics: