Scimitar-crested Spinosaurus discovered at a site overlooked for 70 years

Researchers report a new Spinosaurus species, S. mirabilis, uncovered in Niger after remains first appeared in 2019 and were expanded in 2022; the animal’s scimitar-shaped crest and inland find challenge prior ideas about spinosaurid habitats.

Researchers have identified a new spinosaurid species from fossil material recovered in the central Sahara. The remains were first found in 2019 and revisited with a larger team in 2022, leading to recognition of a distinct species. The animal is named Spinosaurus mirabilis for its large, scimitar-shaped crest. The location of the find, hundreds of miles from the ancient coastline, has prompted fresh discussion about spinosaurid ecology. Key details: - The species is named Spinosaurus mirabilis and is noted for an oversized, blade-like crest about 12 inches long that was likely sheathed in keratin and brightly colored. - The skull shows interlocking rows of upper and lower teeth consistent with a fish-eating diet. - Initial material was discovered in 2019; further crest material recovered during a 2022 expedition clarified the specimen’s identity. - The fossil site in Niger lies up to roughly 600 miles from the nearest ancient shoreline known for other spinosaurid finds. - The field team was led by Paul Sereno of the University of Chicago and included about 20 people; a local man guided researchers to the site where teeth and jaw bones were first found. - The team scanned bones and assembled 3D digital models in the field, the discovery appears on the cover of Science, and a replica skull is slated for display at the Dinosaur Expedition exhibit at the Chicago Children’s Museum. Summary: The find provides new evidence that some spinosaurids lived far inland from ancient shorelines and has led researchers to reconsider aspects of their habitat and behavior. Undetermined at this time.