An unseemly row between rival palaeontologists in Kenya (see page 508) provides a glimpse of the explosive mix of internecine rivalry between palaeoanthropological research groups fighting for mining rights to rare fossil sites, and the politics of the African countries that are home to some of the world's most precious digs. Clashes have also occurred in Uganda, Ethiopia and elsewhere.

Underlying such disputes is a resurgence in many African countries of a desire to take control of their fossils after decades of safari research by foreign groups who, for reasons both within and beyond their control, have largely failed to build local scientific competence. The foreign groups of palaeoanthropologists established in Africa have little incentive to change the status quo. But what is important is not so much who makes the rules — important for establishing priority to those who have invested long and hard in a particular site, and providing for protocols that best preserve stored fossils and regulate their export — but how they are enforced.

Palaeoanthropologists should spend less time fighting with one another, and pay more attention to their common enemy: the degradation of rare fossil sites — mankind's common heritage. The international palaeontology community must develop methods for impartial arbitration to resolve disputes, do more to encourage ethical conduct, and work with agencies such as UNESCO to protect such sites.

As with any science, palaeontology's future reputation depends on principles of good conduct. Young researchers should accordingly consider commandments recommended by Tim White from the University of California at Berkeley in “A view on the science: physical anthropology at the millennium” (see American Journal of Physical Anthropology 113, 287–292; 2000): “In the field do not think you are going to step out of the vehicle and pick up a hominid within 20 meters on the first day. Do not claim that you found the fossil if the other person did. The truth will eventually come out. Do not purchase fossils. Do not reject papers or grant applications for personal or political reasons. Do not bribe officials. Do not steal another person's site, particularly when that person is a local scholar in a developing country.” And, it might be added: to avoid charges of bad behaviour, keep accessible and verifiable records of your activities.