Riversleigh
The Australian Fossil Mammal Sites (Riversleigh/Naracoorte) World Heritage Area were inscribed in 1994 for their outstanding representation of the evolution of Australian mammals and the quality of their fossils, which are preserved in limestone. The Riversleigh section, which covers 10 000 ha of land, is located in the southern section of Boodjamulla National Park in northwest Queensland and is managed by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. Naracoorte can be found over 2000 km away in South Australia.
Riversleigh was placed on the World Heritage List for meeting the following two criteria:
- represents a major stage of the earth’s evolutionary history, and
- is an outstanding example of ongoing ecological and biological processes.
The Riversleigh fossil deposits are among the richest and most extensive in the world, with some fossils dating back to the Oligo-Miocene time, some 15-25 million years ago. D-Site, the only area open to the public, was one of the first fossil deposits found and gives visitors an opportunity to view fossilised mammals and reptiles in situ.
The Riversleigh Fossil Centre provides an extensive insight into the region as it was 25 million years ago, and into the process of fossilisation. It is highly recommended that visitors to the area visit this centre prior to or after visiting AFMS Riversleigh WHA.
Research is helping us understand how the animals coped when the environment changed dramatically from lush wet rainforests to dry grasslands. It is hoped that further research will not only discover new species of extinct fauna, but also help to conserve our mammals of today.
Last updated: 15 June 2004
