In the vast expanse of South Dakota's Hell Creek Formation, a chance encounter between a cattle rancher and a paleontologist led to the discovery of one of the largest Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons ever found. Named Gus, this fossil is set to be auctioned at Sotheby's in New York City, potentially becoming the world's most expensive fossil. But the sale has sparked controversy, raising questions about ownership, stewardship, and the future of paleontological research.
The Licking ranch, owned by the late Gary "Gus" Licking, has long been known for its fossil-rich soil. Licking, a cattle rancher, had always suspected his land held something special, and his dreams were realized when he met Thomas Heitkamp, a commercial paleontologist. Heitkamp and his team discovered Gus in 2021, and Licking was able to see the skeleton in its full glory before his passing. At 38 feet in length and 12.5 feet tall, Gus is an impressive find, with a 54-inch skull and 183 fossil bone elements, making it about 61% complete by bone count.
What makes Gus particularly fascinating is the evidence of bite marks and fractures that the dinosaur survived. However, the sale of Gus has reignited the debate about fossil auctions and the potential disappearance of T. rex skeletons from the public realm. Most researchers refuse to formally study privately held specimens, and the sale of Gus is destined to spark controversy.
The issue is not just about ownership but also about stewardship. When a fossil ends up in private hands, its future is uncertain. Some are loaned to institutions, while others disappear from the public realm. The Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP) mandates its members study only specimens held in publicly accessible collections, as this is the only way that other scientists can access the same specimens for further study.
The SVP has expressed opposition to the loan of Apex the Stegosaurus, noting that the temporary status makes permanent access from researchers impossible. This highlights the problem of studying fossils once they have been mounted and displayed in museums. The SVP has written a letter to the museum expressing opposition to the loan of Apex, emphasizing the importance of studying the original fossil rather than scans or casts.
The discussion around fossil auctions is often framed as a debate about ownership, but it is really a discussion about stewardship. Scientifically significant fossils are non-renewable records of Earth's history, and every one of these specimens represents information that can never be recreated once it is lost or becomes inaccessible. Specimens of scientific importance should be permanently curated in institutions that guarantee access for future researchers and the public.
The future of paleontological research depends on the stewardship of these precious fossils. While private landowners have the option of involving museums in the excavation process, the current system leaves much to be desired. The SVP has proposed a scientific equivalent of the Giving Pledge, a campaign started by Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, and Melinda French Gates to encourage the world's super-wealthy to commit more than half of their fortunes to philanthropic causes and charitable organizations.
In conclusion, the sale of Gus raises important questions about ownership, stewardship, and the future of paleontological research. As we continue to explore the wonders of the natural world, it is crucial that we ensure the preservation and accessibility of these precious fossils for future generations of scientists and the public.
