In a significant paleontological breakthrough, researchers in Brazil have identified a new dinosaur species from fossils unearthed in Davinópolis, Maranhão, dating back approximately 100 million years. The discovery was made public by Elver Luiz Mayer, a paleontologist at the Federal University of the South and Southeast of Pará, who is leading the analysis of these well-preserved bones.
The fossils were discovered during railway construction in April 2021, with the formal excavation occurring in June of the same year. Among the findings are a femur over 1.5 meters long, along with limbs, ribs, and vertebrae. Mayer noted the potential for further revelations as the research progresses, stating, "These fossils represent a distinct dinosaur from the sauropod group, and we have confirmed it is indeed a new species. Additionally, we have observed a familial link between this Maranhão dinosaur and one from another country, although details remain preliminary and will be finalized by early 2025."
The newly identified dinosaur, a titanosaurs characterized by its long neck and herbivorous diet, is estimated to reach lengths of 18 meters. This discovery adds to the existing knowledge of titanosaurs in Brazil, particularly in Maranhão, where previous findings have been limited to smaller, fragmented fossils.
Mayer explained that the current phase of research focuses on the microscopic anatomy of the fossils. This analysis aims to uncover insights into the dinosaur's metabolism and growth patterns, as well as the environmental factors that allowed for such exceptional fossil preservation. "Our research is advancing in this direction," he concluded.
The fossils will eventually return to Maranhão, where they will be displayed at the Center for Natural History and Archaeology Research in São Luís, further enriching the region's paleontological narrative. The ongoing studies not only enhance the understanding of dinosaur evolution in Brazil but also open avenues for increased paleotourism in the area.