People, Planet, Profit…Palaeontology!
Email: anne.musser@austmus.gov.au
Abstract
Palaeontology – the study of ancient life – has long been a fascinating subject for young and old. Interest in bones and fossils has skyrocketed over the past decade as documentaries, books and popular films bring the past to life (what modern child does not know the animated Ice Age films?). Cave systems are natural repositories for collection of bones, and the constant temperature and humidity permit excellent preservation of past life in karst areas. Cave palaeontology can teach us much about our world: the past, present and perhaps even the future (importantly, distributions of animal species through periods of climate change).
Cave products reflect the significance of the area, and include cultural, geological and palaeontological values. Jenolan Caves is moving forward from a past focus on crystal, with more than one string to its bow. Today’s savvy visitors want more. The palaeontological record tells a story, one that not only enthrals visitors but lends itself to development of targeted tours, activities and programs. Palaeontology provides a popular conduit bringing current scientific ideas/cave science to a broad audience. Naracoorte Caves in South Australia is internationally recognised for its remarkable fossil deposits and has parlayed this into a highly successful caves operation. However, although Jenolan Caves boasts many superlatives, including the discovery that Jenolan has some of the oldest open dated caves on earth, palaeontology has never been adequately explored over the years. My aims as a vertebrate palaeontologist working at Jenolan include the discovery of potentially rich fossil deposits, identification of this material and publication of results to a wide audience, adding a deeper level of interpretation and scientific integrity to the Jenolan visitor experience.
All aspects of the ‘Jenolan experience’ have commercial value, and in recent years Jenolan has become increasingly more mainstream. Palaeontology is undeniably a major drawcard. To that end, Jenolan is incorporating palaeontology into forward marketing plans as one of three main initiatives for 2013-2014. Plans include palaeontology-themed activities and tours (Musser, 2012), palaeo-themed product lines and production of peer-reviewed scientific publications on cave fossils (Australian Ice Age megafauna). One of the highlights of the program will be the re-opening of the Nettle Cave ‘dig’, a highly significant deposit of small mammal bones collected under an owl roost along the path of the complimentary self-guided Nettle Cave tour. Interaction between palaeontologist and visitor will provide a unique opportunity to engage in ‘live science’, establishing a vital connection for visitors to our past, re-energising the visitor experience and encouraging repeat visitation –‘win’win’ for people, profits and palaeontology.
References
Musser, A. M. (2012). Off the Track with Stones and Bones: Bringing Jenolan Caves’ Past to Life. Journal of the Australasian Cave and Karst Management Association, 89, pp. 10-12.