The Sahara Desert, now one of the driest places on Earth, was once filled with rivers, wetlands and prehistoric animals millions of years ago. Scientists often discover fossils in this vast desert that reveal how dinosaurs lived and hunted in ancient ecosystems. A recent discovery from the Sahara has now revealed a giant predator that once ruled these waterways.
Researchers have discovered a new species of large dinosaur in the Sahara Desert of Niger. The dinosaur, named Spinosaurus mirabilis, lived around 95–100 million years ago during the Cretaceous period and grew to about 12 metres long, roughly the size of the famous Tyrannosaurus rex.
Giant fish-hunting dinosaur discovered in Sahara:
The fossils were uncovered during expeditions between 2019 and 2022 in a remote desert region of Niger. Researchers found parts of the skull and several other bones, which helped them identify the new species. The discovery was made by an international team of scientists led by the University of Chicago in the United States. The research findings were later published in the scientific journal Science.
Scientists say the dinosaur had a long crocodile-like snout and sharp interlocking teeth, which made it well suited for catching slippery fish. Evidence suggests the predator may have hunted in shallow rivers and wetlands, possibly standing in the water like a wading bird before snapping up its prey.
The discovery helps scientists understand how large meat-eating dinosaurs adapted to different environments, especially river ecosystems in prehistoric Africa. Researchers also note that the species is the first new spinosaurid dinosaur identified in more than 100 years, making it an important addition to the dinosaur family tree.
Did You Know?
The Sahara Desert, now one of the driest places on Earth, was once full of rivers, lakes and lush forests millions of years ago.
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