The location where the fossils were recovered is known as Cerro Chato. It was discovered and described for the first time in 1951 by researchers who carried out geological mapping in the Pampa gaucho. At that time, fossils, especially of plants, were collected and described, evidencing the importance of the fossiliferous site for national paleontology since then. The technological resources available at the time, however, did not allow the exact geographic referencing of the fossiliferous site, which subsequently was lost for seven decades.

Finally, in 2019, the paleontological site was located again due to a combined effort with the participation of researchers from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (Ufrgs), the University of Vale do Taquari—Univates and the Federal University of Pampa (Unipampa). "This fossiliferous site represents a real treasure for world of paleontology, especially for studies on the floristic evolution of a unique geological period in Earth's history, the Permian," explains researcher Joseline Manfroi, a paleobotanist who is part of the team responsible for the discoveries.

"For decades, the geographic location of this outcrop was unknown. It was sought as a true 'treasure hunt' and, fortunately, after so long, we will have the opportunity to continue writing this history, through the fossil record," says Joseline.

The Cerro Chato fossiliferous site is currently the object of research by Master's student Joseane Salau Ferraz at the Federal University of Pampa. The studies are developed using part of the structure of the Laboratory of Paleobotany and Evolution of Biomes from the Science Museum at Univates. The group of researchers is continuing the excavations with a three-year projection for field activities. "The area to be explored is huge. I estimate that we haven't explored even 30% of all available space," says Joseane.