Tom Rich | |
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![]() Tom Rich at Dinosaur Cove, Australia, c. 1995 | |
Born | Thomas H. Rich May 30, 1941 |
Nationality | Australian |
Scientific career | |
Institutions | Museums Victoria |
Thomas H. Rich (born May 30, 1941), generally known as Tom Rich, is an Australian palaeontologist. He and his wife, Patricia Arlene Vickers-Rich headed the dig at Dinosaur Cove. [1] He is, as of 2019, Senior Curator of Vertebrate Palaeontology at Museums Victoria. [2]
![]() | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (November 2020) |
The dig at Dinosaur Cove took place on the Otway Coast of Victoria, Australia. [1] Beginning in 1984, the project lasted nearly a decade, with the tunnels finally being boarded up in 1993. [1] The dig was the culmination of the efforts of over 700 people, with a large contribution from volunteer work. [4] This was his most important work, and it was start by both Rich and his wife and colleague, Patricia Vickers-Rich. [1] The dig was featured on the BBC mini documentary series Walking with Dinosaurs in episode 5, Spirits of the Silent Forest, which aired in 1999. [1]
![]() | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (November 2020) |
![]() | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (November 2020) |
Thomas H. Rich was born on May 30, 1941, in the United States. Rich is married to palaeontologist Patricia Arlene Vickers-Rich. Together the couple described the dinosaur genera Leaellynasaura and Timimus , naming them after their daughter and son, Leaellyn and Tim Rich, respectively.
In 2012, Thomas Rich was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration, an eye disease that causes loss of vision. [6] In an effort to treat his condition, he became the first Australian to use IrisVision. [6]
Thomas Rich is also honored in the epithet of the ancient thylacinid species Nimbacinus richi . [7]