Bolivia presents fossils estimated to be up to 650 million years old
Authorities in Bolivia’s eastern department of Santa Cruz have presented fossils discovered in a cave in the community of Motacucito, near the Brazilian border, which preliminary estimates suggest could be between 540 and 650 million years old.
Specialists believe the pieces may be stromatolites, structures formed by microorganisms such as cyanobacteria, although further analysis is needed to confirm their origin and identify the species. The samples have been transferred to the Noel Kempff Mercado Natural History Museum, where researchers will study them in collaboration with universities abroad. Palaeontologists have described their preservation as exceptional compared with similar fossils found across the border in Brazil.
The discovery has also raised hopes of developing scientific tourism in the area. Community representatives and local authorities are discussing plans for a museum in Motacucito, while researchers have proposed another exhibition space in the nearby municipality of Puerto Suárez. For now, the community has agreed that no further fossils will be removed from the cave.
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