A paleontological site of international significance, Foulden Maar in Otago, New Zealand is home to an amazing record of life on Earth. Formed by a volcanic eruption 23 million years ago, the Maar’s undisturbed sedimentary layers are the resting places for countless rare, well-preserved fossils. The site is unsurpassed in the Southern Hemisphere as a scientific record of changing life and ecosystems at the beginning of the Miocene.
In recent years, the fossil treasures of Foulden Maar have been threatened by a proposal to mine the site’s rich diatomite deposits. Local and national scientific researchers rallied to call for the protection of this unique location, sparking an international debate about the importance of the preservation of paleontological sites worldwide.
In Fossil Treasures of Foulden Maar, authors Daphne Lee, Uwe Kaulfuss and John Conran share their passion and knowledge for this extraordinary spot. They tell the story of the site and reveal the paleontological discoveries that have been made to date. Their book demonstrates the educational and scientific importance of Foulden Maar, paying tribute to the scientific researchers who have helped bring Foulden Maar’s scientific marvels to the surface and who continue to fight for its preservation. Richly illustrated with beautifully detailed images, this volume captures the science, the mystery and the beauty of this astonishing place.
'This fascinating book is like no other I have read. It’s deeply scientific in several fields, yet clearly written for the interested lay person. Lavishly illustrated, it has exquisite whole-page spreads of entire flowers, galaxiids and arthropods, showing exceptional preservation, including even the soft tissue details. I predict all who read it will endorse its final message: ‘Foulden Maar must be preserved’.' – Emeritus Professor Sir Alan Mark, FRSNZ
