Permian · 298.9 – 251.9 Ma
Permian fossil sites
The Permian saw the rise of synapsid 'mammal-like reptiles' that would dominate the next era of vertebrate evolution. The period ended with the largest mass extinction in Earth's history, eliminating an estimated 95% of marine species.
Fossils typical of this period: synapsid reptiles, brachiopods, ammonoids, fusulinid foraminifera, plant fossils.
4 fossil sites
Updated 4 June 2026
Guadalupe Mountains National Park Fossil Reef Guide
Texas, United States
Brachiopods, Crinoids, Ammonoids, Nautiloids
Karoo National Park Fossil Trail Fossil Hunting Guide
Western Cape, South Africa
Dicynodonts (Aulacephalodon, Oudenodon), Gorgonopsids (Rubidgea), Pareiasaurs (Pareiasaurus serridens), Therocephalians
Maria Island Fossil Cliffs Fossil Hunting Guide
Australia
brachiopod shells, bryozoans, crinoids
Porcupine Gorge National Park Fossils Fossil Hunting Guide
Australia
Glossopteris, Glossopteris leaves, Fossilised wood, prohibited