The discovery of a colossal Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton, dubbed Gus, on Gary "Gus" Licking's South Dakota ranch has sparked a debate about the ownership and stewardship of paleontological finds. This particular T. rex, one of the largest ever found, is set to be auctioned at Sotheby's in New York City, potentially becoming the world's most expensive fossil. The sale has ignited controversy, as it highlights a complex issue in paleontology: the tension between ownership and scientific study.
The Licking ranch, situated within the Hell Creek Formation, a renowned geological site, has been a treasure trove for dinosaur enthusiasts. The first T. rex skeleton was unearthed here in 1902, and the species was named based on fossils found in this area. The recent discovery of Gus, measuring 38 feet in length and 12.5 feet tall, with a 54-inch skull, has captivated the scientific community. It is estimated to be about 61% complete by bone count and 75-80% complete by mass, making it one of the most complete T. rex fossils ever found.
However, the sale of Gus to a private buyer has raised concerns. Paleontologists argue that privately held fossils are often inaccessible to the scientific community, hindering proper study and potentially leading to their disappearance from public view. The Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP) mandates that its members study only publicly accessible specimens to ensure that other scientists can access and further study them. Stuart Sumida, a professor and SVP member, emphasizes that selling fossils can result in them being lost to science, as private ownership limits access and proper scientific study.
The auction of Gus has also sparked a discussion about the role of commercial paleontologists. While they are responsible for the initial excavation and preservation of fossils, the high-value sales often lead to private ownership, which can limit scientific research. Thomas Heitkamp, the commercial paleontologist who discovered Gus, acknowledges the importance of finding and preserving fossils but also highlights the financial constraints that prevent public institutions from participating in such auctions.
The debate extends to the concept of stewardship, where scientists and institutions argue that paleontological specimens should be curated in public institutions to ensure accessibility for future researchers and the public. Kristi Curry Rogers, a professor and SVP vice president, emphasizes the non-renewable nature of these fossils and the importance of preserving them for future generations. She suggests a scientific equivalent of the Giving Pledge, encouraging the wealthy to commit their fortunes to philanthropic causes, including paleontological research.
Despite the controversy, some believe that private landowners can collaborate with museums to ensure proper excavation and study. David Hone, a paleontologist, suggests that with sufficient funding, museums could easily unearth and study specimens like Gus. However, the high price tags of these fossils make it challenging for public institutions to participate in auctions.
The sale of Gus raises questions about the balance between ownership and scientific study. As the fossil market continues to grow, the debate intensifies, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to the stewardship and accessibility of paleontological discoveries.
