Context:
Salkhan Fossils Park in Sonbhadra, one of the world’s oldest fossil sites, has been added to UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites.
About Salkhan Fossil Park
- It is officially known as Sonbhadra Fossils Park, is located in Sonbhadra District, Uttar Pradesh, India, nestled within the scenic expanse of the Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Spanning around 25 hectares, the site is set within the Vindhyan mountain range, known for its rugged terrain, steep escarpments, and distinct geological features.
- It houses an extraordinary collection of fossils estimated to be about 1.4 billion years old, making it one of the world’s oldest and most well-preserved fossil sites.
- The site’s fossil assemblage, scattered across various formations, primarily features an exceptional collection of stromatolites, i.e. formations created by communities of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae).
- It is located within the Semri Group of the Vindhyan Supergroup, showcases exceptionally preserved Proterozoic-era fossils.
- The site features diverse stromatolitic morphologies—columnar, stratiform, and domal—encased in Bhander limestone.
- The site’s topography comprises exposed limestone beds with minimal vegetation, creating an open-air natural museum.
- The fossil-rich layers are clearly visible, making Salkhan an important destination for scientific study and educational tourism.
- The area holds significant ecological value, featuring a diverse landscape that includes dry deciduous forests, scrublands, grasslands, and riverine ecosystems, serving as a vital habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna.
