Research activities at the Riversleigh section of Australian Fossil Mammal Sites
Key Finding
Permitted excavation and removal of fossil material for analysis is undertaken sustainably and poses a low threat to the Riversleigh’s fossil site.
Excavation, removal, and the analysis of the fossil record is fundamental to understanding the site’s Outstanding Universal Value (OUV).
Research at Riversleigh is regulated by the Queensland Department of Environment and Science via the state’s Nature Conservation Act 1992. Scientific permit applications are evaluated in consultation with the Queensland Museum (QM) – the State’s statutory custodian of the excavated fossils.
Scientific permit holders are required to submit a referral to the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This referral also considers the proposed activities impact on the World Heritage OUV.
Threats to the integrity of fossil sites through excavation and removal of fossil material for analysis are very low.
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