The place where the fossils were recovered is known as Cerro Chato. It was first discovered and described in 1951 by researchers who conducted a geological mapping of the gaucho pampas. At that time fossils were collected and described, adding plants, attesting to the importance of the fossil site for national paleontology since then. The technological resources available at the time, however, did not allow the precise geographical referencing of the fossil site, which was lost for seven decades.
Finally, in 2019, the paleontological site was relocated thanks to a joint effort with the participation of researchers from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (Ufrgs), the University of Vale do Taquari—Univates and the Federal University of Pampa (Unipampa). ” This fossil site represents a real treasure for the world of paleontology, especially for studies on the floristic evolution of an exclusive geological era in the history of the Earth, the Permian”, explains researcher Joseline Manfroi, paleobotanist member of the team responsible for the discoveries.
“For decades, the geographical location of this outcrop was unknown. It was sought after as a real ‘treasure hunt’ and, fortunately, after so long, we will have the opportunity to continue writing this story, through the fossil record,” says Joseline. .
The Cerro Chato fossil site is being investigated lately by master’s student Joseane Salau Ferraz of the Federal University of Pampa. The studies are an integral part of the design of the Laboratory of Paleobotany and Evolution of Biomes of the Museum of Univate Sciences. The organization of researchers continues the excavations with a projection of three years for the cash activities. “The domain to explore is huge. I estimate that we have not explored even 30% of all the available space,” says Joseane.
Scientists have already collected more than a hundred specimens of plant fossils, adding equipment belonging to the ancestors of current conifers and ferns, as well as fossils of animals such as fish and mollusks. The fossils collected are deposited in the clinical collection of the Unipampa Paleobiology Laboratory, in São Gabriel.
“In past expeditions only the surface of this outcrop was prospected, a very thick limestone and difficult to explore,” says Joseane. “At that time the tissues were discovered because the surface was already relatively eroded. Researchers, however, may simply not explore further. If it’s difficult to paint in a position like this today, even with technology, it creates the demanding situations it represented. “in 1951. We went there last year with a backhoe. It’s even scary to think about why fossils are very delicate. Somehow, we were sure he was going to paint, and it worked,” he says.
“The fossils we examined are of global importance because they are direct testimonies to the environmental changes that occurred in the Permian period. These studies will help us retrieve data on the distribution of those plants around the world, as well as gather evidence on climate. it was at that time. This new location will attract a lot of eyes to our state,” says Joseane.
The end of the Permian period, from which the fossils found date, is marked by the largest mass extinction known in geological time, when more than 90% of life on Earth was decimated due to intense climatic disturbances.
The owners of the estate where the fossil site is located and the municipality of Dom Pedrito were key players in the rescue paintings of the excavations, providing all the necessary help for the collections. “Excavating fossils as fragile as the ones we discovered on the Hill is a delicate job. With the assistance of the municipality and all the help presented through the owners, it was imaginable to carry out a controlled and effective excavation on the site. This is the only way to save sensitive and complete fossils as much as possible. “says paleontologist Felipe Pinheiro of Unipampa, who also coordinates the excavations.
For the owner of the area, Celestino Goulart, “the progression of the studies is of great importance, since it helps to perceive the changes that have occurred on the planet and brings a significant incentive for tourism in the Campanha region of Rio Grande do Sul. “
The team of paleontologists involved in the studies says: “The studies conducted on the Cerro Chato outcrop not only highlight the paleontological richness preserved in the strata of Rio Grande do Sul, but also provide the opportunity to expand the community’s access to the wisdom, clinical wisdom studies and publicity of regional geotourism.
Clinical article (in Portuguese) narrating the rediscovery of the paleontological site published in the journal Paleontologia em Destaque, of the Brazilian Society of Paleontology. Joseane Salau Ferraz, Joseline Manfroi, Karine Pohlmann Bulsing, Margot Guerra-Sommer, André Jasper and Felipe Pinheiro point out the discovery.
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