The Baynunah Formation: where animals once roamed in abundance

More than 30 years of exploration of the fossil-bearing sediments, known as the Baynunah Formation, have allowed palaeontologists to uncover animal and plant fossils including sabre-toothed tigers, monkeys, hippopotamus and antelope.

A comprehensive map of the Baynunah Formation which once teemed with animals.
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Archaeologists and scientists presented fossil records and research at the Baynunah Palaeontology Conference held at Manarat Al Saadiyat on Wednesday, proving the migration of animals from Africa created an ecology that was at one time similar to savannah.

More than 30 years of exploration of the fossil-bearing sediments, known as the Baynunah Formation, have allowed palaeontologists to uncover animal and plant fossils including sabre-toothed tigers, monkeys, hippopotamus and antelope.

Dr Mark J Beech, head of the coastal heritage and palaeontology section for Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, said scientists’ findings should be of more interest to the general public.

He mentioned that websites set up by various government organisations help amateur archaeologists and developers know where dig sites exist in Abu Dhabi.

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