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Research Projects on the NullarborThe ASF Library contains many titles devoted to the Nullarbor, and links to caving club journals and research papers. Club journals can be searched for trip reports and maps and in some instances for specific caves. The Library's holdings include works on flora and fauna, geology, palaeontogy, ecology, plans of management, photographs, and exploration history, among other things. If you cannot find something you are after in the catalogue, please contact the ASF Librarian.Most ASF clubs conduct trips to the Nullarbor periodically, but there are several who research this area intensely. These include CEGSA, FUSSI, VSA and WASG. All of these clubs have their own extensive libraries and databases and it is recommended you contact the club librarian or secretary for more information about the work they have been doing in the Nullarbor (contact details can be found in the State Clubs list on the ASF website). Dr Sue White from the Victorian Speleological Association (VSA) is currently updating a definitive list of Nullarbor bibliography (please refer to the NSIG Members section, or contact asf.caves.nsig@gmail.com for a copy of the list). Major Research FindingsThe Nullarbor has a unique ecosystem and history. Research into this area ranges from large scale geological surveys funded by mineral companies and the CSIRO, to major paleontological findings in new caves discovered by speleological societies. Recently, Dr Matej Lipar uncovered the ring shape structure of an ancient coral atoll which was at first thought to be an impact crater. Mineralogical studies have revealed the shift from a warmer, wetter climate 3-5 million years ago to the arid landscape we see today. In 2002, cavers discovered three new caves, one of which contained the first complete skeleton ever found anywhere in the world, of a Thylacoleo Carnifex, more than 50,000 years old. The two other newly discovered caves contained more Thylacoleo bones and giant kangaroo bones from the genus Sthenurus(1).(1) MacLucas, June, 2002, CEGSA News, Vol.87 No.3, August., p.68-69.
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