Exposing mammoths: From loess research discovery to public palaeontological park

Abstract

This paper is dedicated to the palaeontological and geoheritage potential and conservation values of recently discovered mammoth fossils in the Drmno open-cast mine area. These palaeontological resources provide an excellent basis for the establishment of the first ever palaeontological park in Serbia. In addition, the paper also proposes possible interpretation methods and to determine the current state and tourism potential of the Drmno mammoth fossils, by using the M-GAM model for geosite assessment and comparing this site with two similar world famous sites, the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs and the La Brea Tar Pits in the USA. Results of the assessment indicate that the fossils from the Drmno open mine have similar scientific and educational values as the fossils from two other analysed sites, whereas scenic and tourist values are much lower in comparison with those sites. This means that the Drmno site possesses great potential and resources which should be used and managed in a better way. Hopefully, the newly constructed palaeontological park with all of its supporting infrastructure and newly employed people will eliminate the currently existing gap between the Drmno fossil site and other similar world famous fossil sites.