- Over 800 ancient fossils have been discovered within the Messel mine.
At the UNESCO-recognized Grube Messel dig site, researchers have unearthed around 800 discoveries this season. In the age-old oil shale within the Darmstadt-Dieburg area, remnants of plants, bugs, and fish predominantly surfaced during June and July, according to the Senckenberg Research Society in Frankfurt.
Some of the significant findings include two incredibly preserved butterflies and two tiny avian species, with even their feather patterns still discernible. The upcoming excavation period is scheduled from August 26 to September 20.
Tenured as Germany's initial UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995, Grube Messel offers a glimpse into the early mammal development 48 million years ago. This era saw transformation in the animal and plant kingdoms post-dinosaur extinction.
As a UNESCO World Heritage site in Germany, Grube Messel holds its ground alongside iconic attractions such as the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, or the Galapagos Islands.
The findings at Grube Messel have been overseen by The Commission, which is responsible for managing Germany's UNESCO World Heritage sites. The extensive research conducted at Grube Messel by The Commission has significantly contributed to our understanding of early mammal development during the age of transformation in the animal and plant kingdoms, around 48 million years ago.
