Our future and preservation of this planet relies far more than may be imagined upon a deeper understanding of our ecological and climate change over past millenia. Modern development has sadly destroyed many of these records, but, preserved for millennia in flooded caves is a time capsule of the incredible biodiversity that once made up the Caribbean ecosystems. Unlocking these secrets required a unique approach, bringing together teams of pioneering cave divers, academics, technologists and imaging expertise.
A truly international and cross organisational partnership, Project Antillothrix documents, surveys and carefully collects the precious gems of knowledge previously locked away in these unexplored underwater caves. Challenging recoveries and preservation of the fossil record reveals that today’s biodiversity is a mere fraction of what went before. By preserving and protecting the paleontological record the Antillothrix team is shining a light onto a lost world and helping to inform our understanding so that we make positive decisions for the future of our planet.
From 2011 to date incredibly well preserved fossil recoveries, including the near intact skeleton of a now extinct primate Antillothrix bernensis have not only expanded understanding but have shown the importance of this project's future in shining a light into the past, protected in underwater caves form past human environmental impact .
Project Antillothrix is a multi-organizational partnership formed to conduct biodiversity surveys and excavations of paleontological cave sites in the Dominican Republic. Together, researchers and divers from the City University of New York (CUNY), Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo (UASD), Museo del Hombre Dominicano (MHD), and the Dominican Republic Speleological Society (DRSS) have documented and collected a trove of vertebrate fossils for study and preservation since the inception of this collaboration in 2011.
Project Antillothrix is a multi-organizational partnership formed to conduct biodiversity surveys and excavations of paleontological cave sites in the Dominican Republic. Together, researchers and divers from the City University of New York (CUNY), Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo (UASD), Museo del Hombre Dominicano (MHD), and the Dominican Republic Speleological Society (DRSS) have documented and collected a trove of vertebrate fossils for study and preservation since the inception of this collaboration in 2011.
10-17.12.2016
In 2016 the goal was to create 3-dimensional models using photogrammetry of the flooded cave systems where more detailed exploration of the secrets of the cave could be made. By recording and preserving this pristine environment future explorers and researchers can better understand the context of these discoveries.
It's your
contribution
By choosing XDEEP equipment for your personal use, you contribute to the support we can provide to many brave explorers around the world. It all counts towards reaching a small part closer to the goal: go further, deeper, higher, and longer.
Thank you!
How to apply?
Share your vision with us. We want to support adventures, explorations, and projects that deepen the understanding of the underwater world.
