Rabat – A team of Moroccan researchers from the Faculty of Sciences at Mohammed I University in Oujda, in collaboration with international experts, has unearthed the skeletal remains of a previously unknown dinosaur species in Morocco’s Eastern Region.
Discovered in the Tendrara area, the find marks a major milestone in paleontology, confirming that Eastern Morocco served as a significant habitat for massive prehistoric creatures over 100 million years ago.
The discovery is the culmination of years of meticulous excavation. Faculty sources revealed that the team has worked tirelessly to recover the fossilized remains, employing specialized scientific techniques to safely extract and preserve the ancient bones. “This discovery is unprecedented for the region,” a faculty source told SNRTnews. “It reflects the rich fossil heritage of Eastern Morocco—an area that continues to hold untapped secrets regarding the history of life on Earth.”
Initial analysis confirms that the specimen belongs to the herbivorous family of dinosaurs. While Morocco is globally renowned for its “River Giants” and predatory theropods, this find adds crucial data to the understanding of the plant-eating species that once roamed the ancient Moroccan landscape.
To decode the find, researchers are currently employing a sophisticated, multi-phased approach. This begins with the precise reconstruction of the skeleton using advanced 3D scanning and specialized laboratory techniques to reassemble the fragile structure.
This physical restoration is paired with a comparative study of bone density and physiological characteristics, allowing the team to accurately place the species within the broader dinosaur family tree. Furthermore, the team is conducting environmental mapping by analyzing surrounding sediment to uncover vital clues about the specific climate and flora of the Cretaceous period.
Professor Lahbib Boudchiche, the lead researcher overseeing the project, emphasized that while the discovery is monumental, the scientific work remains ongoing. “The research is currently in the analysis and formal study phase,” Boudchiche explained, noting that the final results and specific characteristics of the dinosaur are being prepared for international scientific publication.
Once the research and reconstruction phases are complete, the skeleton is slated to become the centerpiece of the University Museum of Archaeology and Heritage in Oujda. The exhibit will provide students, researchers, and the public with a rare window into a natural history that predates humanity by millions of years.
