Possible Image of Genyornis Discovered in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory

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Possible Image of Genyornis Discovered in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory
The discovery of a red ochre painting that depicts an emu-like bird in Arnhem Land, has raised questions about whether one of the birds depicted is the extinct megafauna species, Genyornis.

Genyornis, which inhabited the ancient Australian landscape, became extinct more than 40,000 years ago. If the birds depicted are in fact Genyornis, this implies that either the painting is also more than 40,000 years old or Genyornis may have survived later than is currently believed.

Initially discovered during a general survey programme for the Jawoyn Association, it is anticipated that the site will undergo further investigation and excavation over the next year by Ben Gunn, Bruno David (Monash University) and a French research team (Jean-Michel Geneste of the Centre National de la Prehistoire and Jean-Jacques Delannoy of the University of Savoie), working with Jawoyn Traditional Owners. The archaeological excavations to be co-ordinated by Monash University will aim to determine the age of the roof-fall that resulted in the creation of the painted rock surface, thereby giving a maximum age for the painting. It will also investigate whether people were camping at the site more than 40,000 years ago.

Further examination of the rock art itself is needed to try to determine the age and possibility that the image is that of an extinct megafauna species, however, the implications of this image being that of a Genyornis are far reaching.

ABC News Link:http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/05/31/2913350.htm