How Austria became an El Dorado for prehistoric shark research

Australia may be known for its live sharks — but Austria is home to another shark paradise: million-year-old fossils from a time when the Alps were still deep under the sea. Remains of prehistoric deep-sea sharks can be found all over the country. Dr. Iris Feichtinger and her team from the Natural History Museum Vienna are causing international attention with spectacular findings — including the discovery of nine previously unknown shark species.

Das Grabungsteam von der Fundstelle in Gams (Steiermark): Matthias Kranner, Iris Feichtinger, Anna Haider, Alex Festi (v.l.n.r.). Credit: NHM Wien

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Zähne neuer Haiarten aus Österreich. Credit: Iris Feichtinger, NHM Wien

Iris Feichtinger bei der Datenaufnahme der Grabungsstelle in Bayern. Credit: Thomas Nichterl, NHM Wien

Ein Teil der gesammelten 1200kg Sedimentproben, bereit zum Abtransport ins Labor. Credit: Iris Feichtinger, NHM Wien