Rădmănești fossil site
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| Rădmănești fossil site | |
|---|---|
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area) | |
| Location | Rădmănești (Bara), Timiș County, Romania |
| Coordinates | 45°57′33″N 21°52′39″E / 45.95917°N 21.87750°E |
| Area | 4 ha (9.9 acres) |
| Established | 1995, 2000 |
The Rădmănești fossil site is a nationally protected area classified under IUCN Category IV (paleontological nature reserve). It is located in Timiș County (Romania), within the administrative boundaries of Bara commune. The site was discovered in 1870 by geologist and paleontologist Theodor Fuchs, who identified 52 mollusk species within the deposit.[1] Several of these species were found to be extremely rare or even unique, leading to the site's recognition as one of the most significant paleontological deposits in the Pontic Basin.[2]
The nature reserve, covering an area of 4 ha, is situated at the northern edge of Timiș County, along the border with Arad County. It lies within the administrative boundaries of Bara commune, in a location known as Piatra Rea.[3] The nearest town is Lugoj, located 10 km from the site.