Photo by Cliff Miles The quality of fossil preservation is extraordinary, nearly unparalleled in the fossil record. The quiet-water, fine-grained lake sediments, and water conditions that excluded scavengers combined to preserve articulated skeletons (all bones are in place rather than scattered). Delicate fossils, rarely preserved elsewhere, yield valuable scientific data. Today less than 1% of Fossil Lake is protected and managed by the National Park Service. Fossil Butte National Monument is a site that promotes the protection of this world-class paleontological heritage. Click on links below to learn more about fossil species from the Fossil Butte Member (FBM). 
NPS Photo Fossil Fish Species27 fish species have been identified from the Fossil Butte Member (FBM).
NPS Photo Fossil Mammal Species10 mammal species have been identified from the Fossil Butte Member (FBM).
NPS Photo Fossil Reptile SpeciesThe 15 species of reptiles identified from the Fossil Butte Member (FBM) include turltes, lizards, crocodilians, and snakes.
NPS Photo Fossil Amphibian Species2 amphibian species have been identified from the Fossil Butte Member (FBM).
NPS Photo Fossil Arthropod SpeciesSeveral arthropod specimens have been identified from the Fossil Butte Member (FBM).
NPS Photo Fossil Plant SpeciesSeveral plant specimens have been identified from the Fossil Butte Member (FBM).
NPS Photo Fossil Bird SpeciesOver 30 species of birds have been identifiefd from the Fossil Butte Member (FBM).For raw data from the Fossil Butte Research Quarry, click here. |
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Last updated: December 11, 2020