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Tussle over fossils in China

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

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

Published: 
Dec 10, 2019, 5:00 am SGT
Danson Cheong China Correspondent In Chaoyang, Liaoning province

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.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on December 10, 2019, with the headline 'China's fight over fossils'. Print Edition | Subscribe
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