Pilfered Paleontology

[Erik B Pauls <erik@uclink.berkeley.edu>]

I'd be very interested to hear what folks know about black market dinos 
and other fossils too. I know that the term "black market" is problematic 
as trade in paleontlogical resources is nowhere near as regulated as 
trade in cultural resources. Nonetheless, let's have a definition along 
the lines of "Black Market Fossils:" fossils offered for sale that were 
obtained from public land improperly, or were stolen from public or 
private collections.

I have heard of some thefts of vertebrate fossils from university 
collections. Several holotypes were stolen from the University of La 
Riola (Argentina) earlier this year.I vaguely recall hearing about a 
theft in Canada, but would appreceiate any details that anyone could 
offer about any thefts of fossils. 

Thanks,


                        E.

erik@uclink.berkeley.edu