Lancefield Swamp and the extinction of the Australian megafauna

R. Gillespie; D.R. Horton; P. Ladd; P.G. Macumber; T.H. Rich; R. Thorne; R.V.S. Wright

doi:10.1126/science.200.4345.1044-a

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Lancefield Swamp and the extinction of the Australian megafauna

Journal article

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Lancefield Swamp and the extinction of the Australian megafauna

R. Gillespie, D.R. Horton, P. Ladd, P.G. Macumber, T.H. Rich, R. Thorne and R.V.S. Wright

Science, Vol.200(4345), pp.1044-1048

1978

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1126/science.200.4345.1044-a

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Abstract

Excavations into the Australian swamp of Lancefield show that a bone bed dated at 26,000 years ago contains perhaps 10,000 giant extinct animals. Associated artifacts suggest that humans were in the area, but the direct cause of death of the animals is, on present evidence, not explicable. Such a recent date for the classic megafauna shows that it was living together with humans for at least 7000 years in southeast Australia. This enduring association argues against a catastrophic and rapid overkill in the Australian Pleistocene.

Details

Title: Lancefield Swamp and the extinction of the Australian megafauna
Authors/Creators: R. Gillespie (Author/Creator) - The University of Sydney
D.R. Horton (Author/Creator) - Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies
P. Ladd (Author/Creator) - The University of Melbourne
P.G. Macumber (Author/Creator) - Department of Minerals and Energy
T.H. Rich (Author/Creator) - National Museum of Victoria, Melbourne 3000
R. Thorne (Author/Creator) - Water and Rivers Commission
R.V.S. Wright (Author/Creator) - The University of Sydney
Publication Details: Science, Vol.200(4345), pp.1044-1048
Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Identifiers: 991005540749807891
Murdoch Affiliation: Murdoch University
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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