La Brea del Sur
The fossil-rich tar pits of Venezuela may rival those of Southern California
By Sid Perkins
Los Angeles’ Rancho La Brea is one of the world’s most famous fossil-bearing sites. The tar pits there have yielded more than 1 million fossils representing 50 mammal species, 125 types of birds, and dozens of reptiles, insects, and other invertebrates. But L.A.’s claim to fossil fame could someday soon be equaled or surpassed by any of several spots far south of the U.S. border.
Thousands of miles from Rancho La Brea, hundreds of similar petroleum seeps, or menes, dot the landscape in Venezuela. Although explorers have known of these animal-trapping sites since the 16th century, only in the past decade or so have paleontologists begun to conduct serious digs. So far workers have removed less than two truckloads of sediment at the most thoroughly studied site, yet the number and diversity of fossils found already suggest that the South American pits may eventually rival Rancho La Brea.