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Unearthing History: Ancient Koala Tooth Fossil Discovered at Capricorn Caves  

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In an exciting twist of time, a recent citizen science program for Capricorn Caves’ Big Science Adventure unearthed a remarkable find – a fossil tooth from an ancient rainforest koala! This discovery provides a fascinating glimpse into the prehistoric past of these iconic Australian creatures who once lived here at the caves.   

The highlight of the day emerged when the final group of fossil hunters that included the keen eye of Benjamyn Willson, who made an exceptional discovery. Ben was actively exploring the dig pits alongside his family when he uncovered the rare treasure.   

Only one other specimen of an ancient rainforest koala has been found in the deposits, therefore, this may be from the same species or another unnamed one.  

Palaeontologists, Dr Scott Hocknull and Rochelle Lawrence, who were volunteering for Big Science Adventure as part of National Science Week, are meticulously examining the fossil to uncover its story and verify the identity of which species it belonged to.   

This tooth holds invaluable clues about the habits and environment of ancient koalas. Their dedication to verifying its authenticity underscores the significance of this discovery.  

In the words of Dr Scott, “The koala fossil is about 360,000 years old and is part of a very rare component of the rainforest fauna. But what it shows is that until very recently koalas in Australia were known by more than just the one living species.  

Down the road from Capricorn Caves at Mt Etna, there is fossil evidence of the modern koala we know and love (Phascolarctos cinereus), the extinct giant Koala (Phascolartos stirtoni) and an extinct rainforest koala (Invictokoala monticola).   

This new tooth may come from the extinct rainforest species, or another extinct species. Sadly, the giant and rainforest koalas were driven to extinction in the area when changes in the climate occurred around 280,000 years ago.”  

Many other exciting discoveries were made on the day, including some bones from the extinct land-dwelling crocodile (Quinkana), the giant tree-kangaroo (Bohra) and the Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis). Another discovery was what looks to be the partial limb bone from a giant extinct echidna.   

As the koala tooth fossil undergoes verification by Dr Scott & Rochelle, enthusiasts young and old are left with a sense of wonder about the creatures that once roamed our land.   

Stay tuned as we unravel the secrets locked within this ancient relic and celebrate the power of discovery that the Capricorn Caves continues to embody! 




5 star ratingA Memorable Experience with an Amazing Guide Visiting Capricorn Caves was an unforgettable experience that I highly recommend to anyone seeking a mix of adventure, history, and natural beauty. The caves themselves are awe-inspiring, with their intricate formations and fascinating geology. The guided tour offered an in-depth look at the caves' history, their formation, and even their cultural significance to the local area.

Our guide, Mikayla, was exceptional. She was not only knowledgeable but also passionate about sharing the stories and secrets of the caves. Her energy and enthusiasm made the experience engaging and educational. Mikayla had a knack for making the tour interactive, answering every question with patience and insight, and even sharing fun facts that kept everyone intrigued.

One of the highlights of the tour was when Mikayla led us into the Cathedral Cave. Her storytelling combined with the acoustics of the space created a truly magical moment. Her professionalism, combined with her genuine excitement for her work, elevated the entire experience.

If you're visiting the area, Capricorn Caves is a must-see destination, and if you're lucky enough to have Mikayla as your guide, you're in for a real treat!
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Cpbam2e Avatar
Cpbam2e
03/01/2025
5 star ratingDefinately worth a visit! Absolutely awesome tour! We did the Family Adventure Tour and Kyle was a blast of a guide. Helped us all the way and encouraged us to push our limits and get out of our comfort zone. He made sure we were comfortable all the way and made sure we waited for everyone. Cannot recommend enough!
Tenna Avatar
Tenna
01/01/2025
5 star ratingbeautiful Well we certainly found a gem among the caves ,beautiful bush walks, clean well maintained cabins and wildlife so abundant you had to dodged it !
Will be back.
Chris Avatar
Chris
29/12/2024

Looking for something exciting to do with the family these School Holidays? 🦇🌿⛰

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