PhnomPenhPost-Oct 7, 2024
Researchers from the Ministry of Environment have discovered the oldest fossil found to date in Cambodia. The fossilized timber, unearthed in Banteay Meanchey province, is estimated to be between 252 and 299 million years old. Khvay Aditya, ministry spokesperson, told The Post today that a research team from the ministry, led by Lim Vanchan, head of the ministry’s Department of Heritage Areas, under the General Department of Local Communities, discovered the fossilized wood at Kang Va Mountain in Serei Saophoan town last month. After excavating several layers of soil and rock, they found several fossilized trees. “Experts have previously studied the Kang Va Mountain site, and through comparative studies, the fossilized timber could belong to an island or landmass from a period known as the Permian era, which dates back 252 to 299 million years during the Paleozoic era,” Atiya explained. According to Aditya, the fossil is one of many discovered in 14 protected natural areas across the provinces of Ratanakkiri, Stung Treng, Preah Vihear, Koh Kong and Banteay Meanchey. One of the pieces of fossilized timber which were discovered in Banteay Meanchey province last month. They are estimated to be between 252 and 299 million years old. He added that fossil research in Banteay Meanchey province began in 2019. Researchers have since identified 12 fossil sites in the province, which include fossils of marine animals such as mollusks, coral and snails. In 2021, a ministry team discovered a fossilized dinosaur bone in Koh Por Natural Protected Area, located in the Tatai Wildlife Sanctuary. This fossil was estimated to be 65 to 190 million years old and was the first dinosaur fossil discovered in the Kingdom. Read more at: https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/ancient-timber-250-million-year-old-fossil-unearthed-in-banteay-meanchey
