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Cyprus, Paleontology

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EMINENT palaeontologists will today unveil the latest findings of their research into ancient Cypriot fossils in an international paleontological congress at Cyprus’ Natural History museum in Nicosia.

The congress, organised by the Photos Photiadis Foundation, Natural History Museum and The Association for Protection of Natural Heritage and Biodiversity of Cyprus, brings together a host of leading experts from around the world.

Entitled ‘The Pleistocene mammals of Cyprus - New discoveries’, the congress will discuss the existence and later disappearance of several fossilised prehistoric mammals that have been found on the island recently.

These species include dwarf hippos, whales, elephants and even a uniquely Cypriot mouse, which existed here during the quaternary geological period, from around 1.7 million years ago until 10,000 years ago.

During the lecture, Dr Victoria Heritage, of the London Natural History Museum palaeontology department, will talk about some of the specialised equipment and instruments researchers used to date and reveal many interesting facts about the fossils.

Patras University palaeontology lecturer, Dr George Eliopoulos, and TEI Messolongi geology professor Paul Avraamides will then discuss some of those facts in more detail.

Thereafter, visitors to the museum will be able to find more information, photographs of the sites where the fossils were found and even the entire skeleton of a dwarf hippopotamus on display.

The accompanying exhibition will also include artefacts and photographs from the collection of Protection of Natural Heritage and Biodiversity of Cyprus association president, George Constantinou.

The lecture takes place today at the Natural History Museum in Nicosia at 7pm. For more information call 22585834 or 22585858 or visit http://www.natmuseum.org.cy