Balve discovers: Fossils of a unique ostrich dinosaur!

Balve discovers: Fossils of a unique ostrich dinosaur!

In Balve, a picturesque town in the Sauerland, an extraordinary fossil site is causing a stir. The excavations here continue to unearth fascinating relics from a bygone era, and it's not just the scientists who are excited. This not only promises exciting insights into the history of the earth, but also attracts numerous interested parties who want to marvel at the dinosaur treasures.

Particularly noteworthy is the discovery of fossilized bones that have been dated to around 125 million years ago. These belong to an ostrich dinosaur that had a shape similar to an ostrich and was about human-sized. Previous evidence of similar species comes from distant regions such as Asia, North America and Spain, making the site in Balve a unique global phenomenon. The excavation site has been examined by the Landschaftsverband Westfalen-Lippe (LWL) during the summer months for over 20 years, which has proven to be a real goldmine for paleontologists, as WDR reports.

A team of volunteers and experts

Every year around 40 volunteers, many of them archeology students from the University of Münster, support the exciting excavation work. The addition of helping hands is not only welcome, but necessary to efficiently sift through the massive amounts of sediment - up to 24 tons last season. The finds are usually small fragments such as teeth or pieces of bone, which is why thorough washing of the material is essential. In the last excavation season in 2023, for example, the teams were particularly successful and secured around 650 significant finds, including parts of a caudal spine and two thumb spines of an iguanodon-like dinosaur, like NRW is nice added.

Dr. Barbara Rüschoff-Parzinger, head of the LWL's cultural department, emphasizes the great scientific relevance of the finds, especially in the case of the tiny mammal fossils, which are only millimeters in size and also come from the same era. Remains of fish, amphibians, turtles, crocodiles and pterosaurs have also been identified. This variety of different species makes the site a unique hotspot in the history of the earth.

A goldmine for science

Further exciting discoveries are expected in 2024, as the LWL Museum of Natural History's excavation activities continue to be intensive. The uniqueness of the Balve site, which is located in a highland - in contrast to most sites, which are typically located on rivers or coasts - increases the attractiveness of this excavation site for paleontologists from around the world. The pressure to make new discoveries is high, but the team is optimistic.

With each new excavation, where, among other things, amazing dinosaur and mammal fossils come to light, Balve maintains his place in the world of paleontology. So the next time you drive through the beautiful Sauerland, you should definitely plan a stop in Balve - there are not only breathtaking views waiting for you, but perhaps also an encounter with a small piece of earth's history.