New ‘Scimitar-Crested’ Spinosaurus Species Discovered in the Central Sahara

A newly discovered species of dinosaur, Spinosaurus mirabilis, has been identified from fossils unearthed in the Sahara Desert in Niger. The discovery, published in the journal Science, represents the first new species of Spinosaurus identified in over 100 years.

Unique Physical Characteristics

Spinosaurus mirabilis, which lived approximately 95 million years ago during the Cretaceous period, was a large, semi-aquatic predator estimated to have been around 12-13 meters (roughly 40-43 feet) long. The most distinctive feature of this dinosaur is a large, curved bone crest atop its skull, resembling a scimitar or sword. Researchers believe this crest, reaching approximately 50 centimeters (20 inches) in length, was likely covered in keratin – the same material found in modern animal horns and hooves – and may have been brightly colored for visual signaling, potentially for attracting mates or intimidating rivals.

A Fish-Eating Predator

Like other Spinosaurus species, Spinosaurus mirabilis was a fish-eating predator. Its long jaws were filled with conical, interlocking teeth, similar to those of modern crocodiles. Paleontologist Paul Sereno of the University of Chicago suggests the dinosaur likely hunted in shallow waters, wading into depths of around 3 feet, though it was large enough to stand in up to 6 feet of water. He likened its hunting style to that of a heron, stalking large fish – some reaching over 9 feet in length – in rivers and swamps. NPR

Discovery Location and Significance

The discovery is particularly significant because the Spinosaurus mirabilis fossil was found deep within the Sahara Desert, hundreds of kilometers from ancient coastlines where most other spinosaurid fossils have been located. This suggests the dinosaur inhabited a forested area with rivers and lakes, challenging previous theories that spinosaurids were primarily coastal dwellers. University of Chicago News

Evolutionary Insights

The find adds important new fossil evidence to the understanding of spinosaurid evolution, particularly the closing chapter of their evolutionary history. The crest of Spinosaurus mirabilis is the tallest head crest observed in any theropod dinosaur, highlighting the importance of midline ornamentation in the cranium and axial skeleton of spinosaurids. University of Chicago News

The research team, led by Paul Sereno, comprised 20 people and unearthed the fossils at a remote locale in the central Sahara. University of Chicago News

Further Information

More information about the discovery can be found on the Natural History Museum website and Reuters.