Paleontological Fossils in SMA

SMA may be known as the American Capital of Culture, but did you know it has a much older history? Our story begins some 10,000 years ago, when this part of Mexico, in the middle of North America’s largest paleontological area, was populated by giant creatures. And what do giant creatures have? Giant bones!

Cultural and natural activist Arturo Morales Tirado says that at that time, giant sloths, armadillos as big as cars, and mammoths walked the land. As you walk through the countryside of San Martín de la Petaca, you follow winding paths and see gorgeous views. But look closer, namely downwards, and you’ll see trace clues of the past. Sticking out of the ground, occasionally you’ll see fossils. As they’re discovered, often an excavation begins. Ángel Flores, member of the Natural and Cultural Landscaping Project of SMA, said, “if you dig a little bit, you can see the structure.” What started as a fossilized tusk can lead to the discovery of an entire mammoth skeleton. Morales goes on to say that the giant animals of the time likely were wiped out by the ice age, when 300ft (100m) of ice covered the area.

In another area, Morales mentioned that they may have found a 18ft (6m) long mastodon skeleton. It has not yet been excavated because the ground is not stable. And the locals feel that may be a good thing. Over the years, locals say that the zone has had more than 2,000 fossils stolen. 15 years ago, it was not common knowledge that theft of these artifacts could warrant 3-10 years in prison or a maximum fine of 216,000 pesos (roughly $11,000). Due to these penalties, theft in the zone has decreased. Elders in the area have used the bones for many years. They would grind the bones and mix them to make ointments to receive pain and cure other diseases. The bones could also be used to make a special tea.

In efforts to protect areas like this, activists have campaigned against new developments aiming to be built on lands such as these. For example, in 2011, activists blocked a housing development, Banterra, which would have consisted of 8,000 homes, from being built. They also oppose the construction a road which would bring economic development and communication to the city, the Autopista del Bicentenario. However, the activists assert that it would destroy many historical sites, natural habitats, and prevent experts from uncovering more findings about the past of the area which are still buried underground.
With info via Atención SMA