It has previously been argued that all Australian megafauna went extinct by 46,000 years ago. Because this may be close to the time of human arrival this conclusion has been used to support a model known as 'blitzkrieg', the near instantaneous mass extinction of megafauna through human hunting.
However, Australian fossil megafauna have been found in sites dated at much younger than 46,000 years old. Advocates of a major human role have argued that sediments in these younger sites were disturbed, arguing that previously buried bones could have been introduced into younger sediments. If correct, this would have meant that dates from these younger sites were unreliable.
However, Australian fossil megafauna have been found in sites dated at much younger than 46,000 years old. Advocates of a major human role have argued that sediments in these younger sites were disturbed, arguing that previously buried bones could have been introduced into younger sediments. If correct, this would have meant that dates from these younger sites were unreliable.
The best-known site yielding young megafaunal remains is Cuddie Springs, located in south-eastern New South Wales. The research team used a novel chemical forensic test developed by Dr Trueman to test whether bones had been disturbed and moved after death.
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