Șomleu Hill
Șomleu Hill, paleontological natural reserve, is a nationally protected natural area, included in category IV of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The reserve was established in 2000 and is spread over an area of approximately 5 hectares, in Sânmartin commune, Bihor county. The nature reserve is part of the Betfia Natura 2000 Site (ROSCI008) spread over a total area of 1748 hectares, currently in the custody of the Museum of the Country of Crișurilor in Oradea. It represents a fossiliferous deposit from the Pleistocene period, of great importance due to the great diversity of fossiliferous remains identified here: carnivores (Machairodus), reptiles, birds, mammals, rodents and plants.
Betfia Avenue and the limestone quarry can be seen within the protected area. Here can be seen the succession of calcareous layers formed in different geological periods, with a rich content of fossil invertebrates. Due to its scientific importance, the fossiliferous point has been declared a monument of nature.
Description
Șomleu Hill, paleontological natural reserve, is a nationally protected natural area, included in category IV of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The reserve was established in 2000 and is spread over an area of approximately 5 hectares, in Sânmartin commune, Bihor county. The nature reserve is part of the Betfia Natura 2000 Site (ROSCI008) spread over a total area of 1748 hectares, currently in the custody of the Museum of the Country of Crișurilor in Oradea. It represents a fossiliferous deposit from the Pleistocene period, of great importance due to the great diversity of fossiliferous remains identified here: carnivores (Machairodus), reptiles, birds, mammals, rodents and plants.
Betfia Avenue and the limestone quarry can be seen within the protected area. Here can be seen the succession of calcareous layers formed in different geological periods, with a rich content of fossil invertebrates. Due to its scientific importance, the fossiliferous point has been declared a monument of nature.
