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THE WEST COAST FOSSIL PARK
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| 8. THE WEST COAST FOSSIL PARK: Incorporating the Langebaanweg Palaeontological Site By Pippa Haarhoff |
| Fossils were first discovered at Langebaanweg in the Western Cape
in the late 1950s, during phosphate mining operations by Chemfos Mine.
Since then, it has been established that this deposit contains possibly
the greatest diversity of five million yearold fossils in the
world. These fossils have attracted the interest of leading overseas scientists and local researchers, generating over seventy publications. Some important discoveries include Agriotherium africanum, the first bear ever found in Africa south of the Sahara; Homiphoca capensis, an extinct true seal and four extinct species of penguins. Over the past 40 years, the South African Museum, now part of Iziko Museums in Cape Town, has forged an excellent working relationship with the mine, to ensure that the palaeontological wealth of the site is properly sampled. When mining operations ceased in 1993, various stakeholders recognised the potential for the development of a fossil park. The first phase of the West Coast Fossil Park was launched in September 1998.  - Fossil discovered at Langebaanweg. A unique field centre for further palaeontological research, education and specialist tourism programmes is currently being established. A 14 hectare area of the mine floor has already been proclaimed a National Heritage Site, in an effort to protect the fossil deposits for posterity. The Fossil Park offers students and eco-tourists an on-site fossil experience, providing facilities that enable visitors to learn about environmental changes in the West Coast region over the last five million years. To realise the aims of the Park, several public facilities are being created. A simple structure covering the excavation site allows visitors to view in situ fossils. Existing mine buildings are being converted into education and scientific facilities, which will provide space for displays, a library, lecture room, fossil laboratory and other facilities. The site is also suitable as a training ground for tertiary learners studying geology, archaeology, palaeontology, zoology, botany, environmental and geographical science and tourism. Many opportunities exist for postgraduate studies on the Langebaanweg site in these disciplines. The mining area is being rehabilitated to remove unsightly dumps and to achieve the grading and landscaping of some 300,000 cubic metres of soil to suit the Fossil Park’s requirements. Alien vegetation, predominantly Acacia cyclops, has been replaced with local indigenous strandveld flora. Through this process, a buffer reserve around the National Monument Fossil Site is being created. Permanent water bodies created by the mine situated within the buffer reserve attract a variety of bird life and the reserve is also a refuge for several local indigenous insects, frogs, reptiles and small mammals. Ultimately, the area surrounding the fossil monument site could serve as a model for rehabilitation and showcase various ways of reducing human impact on the natural environment. Langebaanweg is scientifically important nationally and internationally for a number of reasons. The Langebaanweg fossil site is extremely rich in preserved specimens and in diversity of species represented. These two factors have allowed scientists to reconstruct a reasonably detailed picture of the West Coast palaeo-habitat. This information is useful when comparing the past with the present and when tackling questions relating to ecological constraints, evolutionary opportunities and exactly what impact humans have had on biodiversity. The many different animal groups represented have provided significant scientific data relevant to understanding their evolution and biogeography. Langebaanweg is the richest pre-Pleistocene site in Southern Africa. It records an era otherwise unknown in this region and thus provides a reference for comparison with other important sites such as those in East Africa and Europe. A greater understanding of our past promotes opportunities for responsible planning for the present and the future. A wealth of information still remains relatively untapped and the closure of the mine has presented a perfect opportunity to expand and build on the scientific exploration already carried out by Doctors Ronald Singer, Brett Hendey and their colleagues. Along with the West Coast National Park, the Fossil Park provides the necessary balance to the industrial development taking place in this region, and creates an opportunity for people to satisfy their ever-present need to get in touch with the natural world. Sound business principles and active marketing will ensure that the eco-tourism value of the West Coast Fossil Park is fully developed. The West Coast Fossil Park is open to the public seven days of the week, for guided tours and school programmes. |
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Nominations of potential candidates for the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) Board of Directors
