Tooth from ancient whale-eating megalodon shark stolen from World Heritage Site
The fossil comes from the megalodon species which died out 2.6 million years ago
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.An ancient great shark’s tooth has been stolen from a world heritage Site in Australia.
The fossil, which was not available to be viewed by tourists, is believed to have come from the Megalodon species that died 2.6 million years ago.
The tooth is approximately 8cm long and went missing from an undisclosed location in a national park in Western Australia.
Authorities believe thieves intentionally targeted the tooth which is one of two Megalodon teeth located in the Unesco World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Coast.
"The worst part is they took the better specimen, which was not so well known," spokesperson Arvid Hogstrom told the BBC.
"Our staff had actually physically covered it up with natural features to make sure it was hidden."
It is thought the tooth was removed using either a chisel or a hammer – which would be a violation of conservation laws.
The Megalodon could grow to 18 metres in length and was a whale-eating species.
It weighed up 30 times more than great white sharks at approximately 100 tonnes.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments