The scarcity of fossils in the African rainforest. Archaeo-paleontological surveys and actualistic taphonomy in Equatorial Guinea

The African rainforest is considered a ‘palaeontological desert’, exemplified with the virtual absence of ape fossils from last 10 Ma. To overcome this deficiency fossil record, archaeo-palaeontological surveys have been undertaken in Equatorial Guinea. We inventoried 225 outcrops and eluvial materials formation ‘stone lines’ (of diverse genesis) predominate. Close to Atlantic estuaries, there are short fluvial sedimentary sequences (sands gravels), where remains lithic industry charcoal appear, but no case macro vertebrate fossils. Given intensity survey, scarcity sampling ruled out as cause desert’. Besides, biogenic, biostratinomic fossildiagenetic factors explored by means an actualistic approach. ecosystem produces very low density tanatocenosis. Simultaneously, rate sedimentation/erosion action scavengers has not detected, although ants termites may be determinant. Two can inferred: lixiviation destructive existence periods intensive erosion. search for palaeontological record should focus on protected environments (rockshelters) or more confined ones (maars small endorheic basins).