Fossil treasures in the Bahamas reveal ancient island secrets
Scientists have discovered perfectly preserved fossils in the Sawmill Sink blue hole on Great Abaco Island in the Bahamas. These findings reveal the island's rich biodiversity from thousands of years ago and provide insight into the impact of climate change and human activity on the local ecosystem.
12:19 PM EST, November 21, 2024
Great Abaco Island is home to a blue hole called Sawmill Sink, which, according to Science Alert, is considered a true paleontological treasure. Since 2005, a team of scientists has been exploring this unique location's depths, including biologist David Steadman from the Florida Museum of Natural History and diver Brian Kakuk.
A watery treasure trove of the past
Sawmill Sink is a 148-foot-deep underwater cave with an extensive network of underground passages. The specific conditions inside—lack of oxygen, UV light, and toxic hydrogen sulfide—have favored the preservation of animal remains in an almost pristine state. Among the discovered fossils are the bones of giant tortoises, crocodiles, and extinct species of birds and mammals.
The fossils reveal the island's fauna from 15,000 years ago when Abaco was ten times larger than it is today. After the last ice age, rising sea levels submerged a significant part of the island, causing the loss of many habitats. Some species, such as the giant tortoises Chelonoidis alburyorum and Cuban crocodiles, became extinct due to climate changes and human activity.
About 1,000 years ago, the Lucayan people, part of the Taíno culture, arrived on Abaco. Their presence contributed to the extinction of many species through hunting and environmental modification. Studies indicate that 17 bird species did not survive environmental changes from 10,000 years ago, and others disappeared with the arrival of humans.
In 2019, Hurricane Dorian ravaged Abaco Island, destroying the natural history museum where the collected fossils were stored. Thanks to the efforts of scientists, a significant portion of the collection was saved, but plans to protect and study the blue holes were halted. Geologist Nancy Albury, who is collaborating on the project, has been working to turn the blue holes into an underwater national park to protect these unique places from destruction. However, due to damages caused by the hurricane and lack of funds, the future of these initiatives remains uncertain. Despite this, scientists are convinced that Sawmill Sink still holds many secrets, and every part tells a piece of history.
