Is private investment robbing science of important finds?

An incredibly well-preserved fossil of two duelling dinosaurs is set to go under the hammer this month, fetching as much as $10m – but at what cost to science?

A tyrannosaur and a Triceratops are forever locked in battle: the Triceratops has shattered the tyrannosaur’s skull, but he has his teeth embedded in the neck vertebrae of his sparring partner. The two have been preserved in a never-ending scuffle, fossilised 67 million years ago.

This unique fossil was found on private land by an independent fossil collector in the Hell Creek Formation, Montana (USA). It is due to be auctioned at Bonhams in New York on 19^th November, fetching as much as $10m (£6.2m).

The tyrannosaur is the most complete ever found and has the potential to answer a longstanding scientific question – was there a second large predator living alongside the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex?

The predator in question is Nanotyrannus, first identified in 1988 from a beautiful skull which was similar to, but smaller than, that of a T. rex. However, identification from one fossil was not widely accepted, with many arguing that the bone was from a juvenile T. rex.

The tyrannosaur fossil – which shows large forearms, swan-like neck and a narrow skull – might just be able to confirm Nanotyrannus as a distinct species, but not if the pair end up in the hands of a private collector.

Dr Phil Manning from the University of Manchester has been lucky enough to briefly study the fossil and hopes to bring it to the UK for further observation. He suggests that if this is a distinct species, that Nanotyrannus would have had its own ecological niche, with its distinct neck, skull and powerful forearms. He also noted the tyrannosaur was about half the size of an adult T. rex, but its arms were still much larger than its famous cousin.

“This fossil has the potential to clarify that Nanotyrannus was a distinct species,” Dr Manning told Laboratory News. “The auctioneers’ gavel will effectively decide if Nanotyrannus will be confirmed as a distinct species of tyrannosaur. If it goes to a public collection like a museum where we can access it, hopefully we can undertake the work to resolve if this species really did exist. If it goes to a private collection we won’t be able to publish on this remarkable fossil.”

“We have to hope that the purchaser is public-spirited and will permanently lend the fossil to a museum” Manning said. “If it goes to a private collection, I will have to un-learn everything I have seen.  There is a vast number of scientists who want to study this beautiful fossil now, but it may not end up in a museum until a later generation, so we might just have to be very, very patient.”

Palaeontologists work within a set of rules when defining or naming a new species, in that the original research material must be placed in an accessible museum– particularly if it has the potential to confirm a new species or genus – as it will allow observations to be verified by others. If the fossil is purchased for a private collection, then it will be removed from scientific scrutiny and cannot be subject of peer review, and so a distinct species of tyrannosaur will still require confirmation.

Fossils have always been sold and bartered for, but the sale of Sue – an 85% complete T. rex skeleton – to the Fields Museum in Chicago for $8.3m in 1997 set precedent for the huge asking price seen in today’s market.

Museums in the UK do not have the funds to make such a purchase, says Manning, who is trying to drum up support and donations to bring the tyrannosaur-Triceratops fossil to the UK. He estimates that in order to purchase, prepare and research the fossil, it will cost £7m.

“By participating in the sale, we are having to work with some tough pricing, but it must be done to ensure the future of the piece,” he said. “Sue set the benchmark, precedent has been established and this fossil will fetch a significant amount. The price is high, but fossils such as these have the potential to not only inspire research, but a whole new generation of scientists, especially when on public display”

With any luck, Dr Manning will be able to raise the funds needed to bring the amazing piece to the UK; if not we have to hope the new owner will lend it to a museum where it can be studied and admired by all who see this remarkable find. If it sits in a private collection, Nanotyrannus will remain an unconfirmed or lets just say ‘disputed’ species until the fossil is sold again, or donated by an heir.

“Hopefully the scientific significance of this stunning fossil will not be overlooked amidst the media interest of the sale. This fossil would make the centrepiece for any museum and really deserves a very public home.”

If there are any public-spirited folk out there who would like to help Dr Manning and his team acquire this remarkable fossil for the UK, contact him at the University of Manchester (phil.manning@manchester.ac.uk)