By Gabriela Baron
Possibly the first and oldest fossil gastropods were discovered in Masungi Georeserve’s limestones in Baras, Rizal.
According to geologists and paleontologists from the University of the Philippines-National Institute of Geological Sciences (UP-NIGS), the discovered gastropods could be the “first and oldest” fossil record of its kind in the country.
Gastropods are a class of mollusks that include snails, slugs, and limpets.
UP-NIGS said the presence of the fossilized gastropods “indicates how the Masungi landscape was submerged underwater about 60 million years ago.”
“The Masungi Georeserve as a living laboratory for the study and protection of karat terrains represents a unique opportunity for the national and local governments, the academe and industry partners to come together to develop best practices in the management, protection and conservation of this important fragile and non-renewable resource,” the researchers noted.
“We envision Masungi Georeserve as a place where educators, students, and local government can interact and collaborate in the study of karat features and processes and development of best practices in the management and conservation of karst landforms,” they added.
During their research in July, the research team also found traces and fossilized remains of marine protists embedded in the rocks.
Masungi Georeserve Foundation is located at the southern tip of Sierra Madre Mountain range, wedged between the Kaliwa Watershed and the Upper Marikina Watershed. -ag