Fossil Preparation - Exceptional Extinct Oreodont Merycoidodon (30 million years old) Time Lapse

This is a short time lapse video of the final stages of preparation of an extinct Oreodont skull from the Oligocene of South Dakota, USA (dating back 30 million years). The species is called Merycoidodon culbertsonii and was one of the most common mammals that lived in North America 30 million years ago. Despite the elongated canines, this was a burrowing, herbivorous mammal. The prep on this was done using pneumatic air tools (attached to an air compressor) including the Paleotool ME-9100 (for bulk matrix removal) and the Zoic Palaeotech Microraptor (for finer detail).
#fossilpreparation #fossilprep #oreodont

[@iainking4256]

Another great piece of prepping, beautiful job young man . Keep them coming, just wish I had the skills you have. Take care and stay healthy. Cheers from Aus.

[@PalaeoArt]

Thanks Iain. That's very kind and glad you like these series of videos. Lots more to come!

[@TheTman10101]

Great video, keep up the awesome work!

[@PalaeoArt]

Thanks Trevor. Will do.

[@MrR4nD0mDUd3]

I wonder if one would be able to kintsugi these fractured fossils together again

[@fossil-freak_tom]

howe you get all these blocks with that skulls,you are expert in eocene and myocene?
i'm blown away,incredible to see such fossils..

[@PalaeoArt]

Thanks very much. Yes, I do like the Oligocene mammals and work with local collectors. Many of these are from the White River Group Formation of South Dakota & Wyoming

[@genaputrov5207]

Why didn't you place a picture of how it was look like alive?

[@PalaeoArt]

That's a good point. I'll do that next time as I've previously drawn a reconstructed Oreodont. Sadly I can't edit the video now, but I like the idea.

[@vasilyv1134]

Как же жаль что мы никогда не сможем увидеть этих потрясающих существ

[@PalaeoArt]

Very true. I'd love to see what these would have looked like in real life!