"There is so much that is unexplained about the natural history of Jade. In fact it might be more accurately described as unnatural history. However, as with all eco-systems, there is a pattern and a purpose, even if we can't see or understand it immediately. "

Scientists are baffled by reptilian creatures seemingly hatched from fossil eggs at Jade's leading museum, the Museum of Environmental History.

A member of the public alerted museum staff after one of the Pleagat eggs, believed to date from the earliest part of the Pleagatron era, cracked from side to side with a loud report. Two danas later, all seven eggs in the clutch have hatched, producing scaly claw-footed creatures, each with a single narrow eye stretching across the front of its head.

When news of the first hatchling spread, members of the public jostled with the press to watch history unfolding before their eyes. But when one creature reared up on its back legs and hissed at a reporter who held his camera too close to it, many people fled the building.

Most returned when museum staff broadcast a message to say that the creatures were harmless and toothless, feeding on vegetation which they first liquefied with their saliva.

A spokesman for the Jade Regeneration Institute (JARI) admitted to being completely puzzled as to how the eggs had remained viable for so many thousands of muta-danas, despite being completely ossified.

Tests were still being carried out at a secret location, he said, though he stressed that none of the Pleagats would be harmed and everything was being done to see that they were well cared for and comfortable. Their future would not be decided without full public consultation, he added.