The Latest National Park Has Opened, Featuring the Oldest Animal Fossils on Earth

Australia ranks as the flattest and driest inhabited continent, largely due to the vast expanse of the Outback that dominates the landscape. However, many are unaware that much of this Outback was once submerged under ocean waters, preserving the fossilized remains of the planet's earliest animals.

The ancient fossils, known as the Ediacara biota, are now safeguarded within the newly established Nilpe­na Ediacara National Park, which welcomed its first visitors on Thursday, April 27. The park is already garnering attention for its accessible fossil beds and the ongoing research by Mary L. Droser, an American paleontologist who discovered one of Nilpena's most famous fossil sites.

'These fossils date back approximately 550 million years, which is significantly more than half a billion years,' Droser shared in an interview with Dinogo. 'These fossil beds act as snapshots of the seafloor from that era, showing us evidence of the earliest animal sexual reproduction, the first large organisms in the water column, the emergence of mobility, and many other groundbreaking developments.'

Nearly 40 fossil beds have already been uncovered at Nilpe­na, with ongoing research. Visitors to the park can enjoy an exceptional fossil experience featuring guided tours to view the fossil beds up close, along with an audio-visual presentation that brings the ancient fossils to life.

Given the international importance of the discoveries at Nilpena and the continued efforts of Droser and her team, park guests must reserve a guided tour to see the fossils. Ross Fargher, owner of the nearby Prairie Hotel, is currently the sole tour operator for the fossil site. This is noteworthy because Fargher has a personal connection to Nilpena's timeline; he discovered several fossilized organisms in the '80s, supporting the findings of Reg Sprigg, an Australian geologist who identified the world’s richest Ediacara biota in the '40s.

Droser mentioned that while Ediacara biota have been identified worldwide, the discoveries in South Australia represent the most comprehensive record of this group of fossils. Fargher’s findings are notable for their exceptional preservation, allowing excavation of sandstone beds laden with fossils. This offers an unparalleled view into the early evolution of animal life on Earth. Droser is also part of a team advocating for the Flinders Ranges, home to Nilpe­na Ediacara National Park, to be recognized as a World Heritage Site.

Nilpe­na Ediacara National Park is situated in South Australia, approximately a six-hour drive from Adelaide. While entry to the park is complimentary, guided tours must be arranged in advance and begin at $160.