Ancient microbialites in Western Australia face damage from visitors
Researchers warn that fossil and living microbialites in Western Australia are at risk of destruction due to human activity.
Fossil sites face collection risks
A review published today in the journal Alcheringa examines fifty years of research on these structures. The oldest examples found in the Pilbara region date back almost 3.5 billion years. These ancient fossils remain vulnerable to overcollection and ongoing degradation at various locations.
Living microbialites suffer pressure
Current populations in Shark Bay and Lake Clifton encounter growing pressures from environmental and human factors. In May 2024, a group of aurora chasers damaged a restricted site at Lake Clifton. This incident involved the trampling of thrombolites that are approximately 2,000 years old.
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