Introduction
As an amateur who enjoys looking at, and hunting for, fossils I know how challenging it is to identify and name the specimens you find. Most popular books on fossils show only a few species, and the more detailed treatises and monographs produced by expert palantaeologists are often difficult to obtain and even more difficult to understand! It is also often difficult to access the reference collections of fossils held in the dusty basements of museums and universities, while getting expert advice on fossils is increasingly difficult because traditional palantaeology and taxonomy are not considered important enough for governments to fund. For that reason, the work of amateurs is more important than it has ever been.
On this site I present some of the fossils that I have collected in my many years of fossil hunting in New Zealand. Most of the finds are from the Top-of-the-South - that is to say, the Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast regions of South Island. However, I also include particularly interesting specimens from other areas of the country. including specimens from other collections that have been donated to me. In each case, an indication is given of where they were found and the age of the rocks they came from. Where it might be helpful to other amateur palantaeologists, I also give some notes about the key features that might help to identify them.
Wherever possible, each specimen is named to species level (or genus when this has not been possible). Identifying fossils is nevertheless difficult and uncertain for many reasons, so in some cases possible alternative appellations are also given. Because of these uncertainties, however, all the names offered here should be considered only as a 'best-guess' - and if you would like to suggest a different identification, I would be happy to receive it! You can contact me, if you wish via the Contacts page.
Please note that NONE of the fossils shown here are available for purchase - and the collection of fossils for commercial sale is something I do not support. If you are interested in buying these fossils, therefore, please do not bother to contact me. You will not receive a reply.
Wherever possible, each specimen is named to species level (or genus when this has not been possible). Identifying fossils is nevertheless difficult and uncertain for many reasons, so in some cases possible alternative appellations are also given. Because of these uncertainties, however, all the names offered here should be considered only as a 'best-guess' - and if you would like to suggest a different identification, I would be happy to receive it! You can contact me, if you wish via the Contacts page.
Please note that NONE of the fossils shown here are available for purchase - and the collection of fossils for commercial sale is something I do not support. If you are interested in buying these fossils, therefore, please do not bother to contact me. You will not receive a reply.