Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
If you do need to collect you will need to consider the following.
•
Is the site protected by law?
Many 'classic' fossil localities
are now under legal protection. The exact nature of
legislation differs from country to country but protection is
usually granted for a good reason, for example to conserve
the site. Written permission to collect is required or you
will be breaking the law.
•
Is the site on publicly owned land?
Many fossil localities
are on privately owned land where access is controlled. In
the case of quarries and/or mines there are also specifi c
safety and legal issues. Written permission should always
be obtained when intending to collect on private land.
When seeking permission you should outline: (1) why you
are interested in the site; (2) what you intend to do at the
site (e.g. make a thorough record of the lithology,
sedimentary features, collect specimens, etc.); (3) when you
propose to arrive and how long you intend to stay; and
(4) how many will be in the fi eld party. When visiting
working quarries and/or mines you will be required to obey
specifi c local rules usually related to safety issues. It is a
good idea to follow up your visit with a note of thanks
outlining what you have achieved.
•
Can the fossil be removed safely with the tools to hand
without destroying it or endangering the collector and those
in the vicinity?
Safety is paramount in the fi eld (Section
2.11). Never put yourself or others in a dangerous position
and always leave sites in a safe condition.
•
Is collection really necessary to aid understanding?
Collecting fossils should be regarded as a privilege and not a
right. Apart from anything else, you should not put at risk for
no good reason, by the collecting process or by using the
wrong tools or method, a fossil that has been part of the
Earth's natural archive for millions of years.
5
If you intend to collect a
specimen it is worthwhile
photographing it before you
attempt to remove it from the
entombing matrix. The
process of removal can
damage the specimen and
the photograph not only
records the pristine state of
the fossil, but also aids in
any subsequent mending.
Collecting is sometimes necessary for detailed scientifi c study and
in particular when new species are being described or the range
of key species is being extended. This is because under the
International Codes of Botanical and Zoological Nomenclature
(ICBN and ICZN) a
type specimen
(preferably with other examples)
has to be conserved in a museum to serve as reference material.
Recovery of large remains (e.g. dinosaur skeletons) requires
mechanized equipment and materials for protecting the fossils
during transport back to the laboratory. If you are lucky enough
to fi nd such remains do not try to extract any material yourself.
Instead contact appropriate experts, for instance at the local
museum, who will have the knowledge and resources to
recover the fossils safely and, as far as possible, intact.
