The trade in Brazilian fossils: one palaeontologist's perspective

Abstract

The Santana and Crato formations of the Araripe Basin are a prolific source of exceptionally well preserved mid Cretaceous fossils. Fossils are collected from the Crato Formation as a byproduct of quarrying activity, but those from the Santana Formation are mined commerically. The commerical trade in Brazilian fossils is illegal, but the trade flourishes. Despite occasional attempts to stamp out the trade, widespread corruption allows its continuity. A legitimate case can be made for the legalisation of the fossil trade that would be of benefit to the international scientific community and to the local communities where the fossils are found.