Scientists have identified a previously unknown dinosaur species from fossils discovered along the shores of Lake Kariba in northern Zimbabwe, a finding that...
Scientists have identified a previously unknown dinosaur species from fossils discovered along the shores of Lake Kariba in northern Zimbabwe, a finding that is providing new insights into the early evolution of dinosaurs that lived about 210 million years ago during the Late Triassic period. The discovery has been published in the Journal of Systematic Paleontology.
The newly named species, Musango matusadonaensis, lived at a time when dinosaurs were becoming larger, more diverse and beginning to dominate ecosystems across the ancient supercontinent. Researchers say the discovery contributes to the growing understanding of how early dinosaurs evolved and spread across connected landmasses.
The fossils were discovered during an expedition along the shoreline of Lake Kariba. The remains consisted of part of a hind leg, including the thigh, shin and ankle bones. After detailed examination, scientists concluded that the fossils belonged to a species that had not previously been identified.
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Lead author Professor Paul Barrett said the team realised the fossil was unlike the dinosaurs they had expected to find in the area after excavating the remains. He also noted that although he has named many species during his career, this was the first dinosaur he had personally discovered and described.
Researchers estimate that Musango matusadonaensis stood about 1.5 metres tall at the hip and weighed about 390 kilograms. The dinosaur belonged to the sauropodomorph group, whose members later evolved into the giant long-necked sauropods that became some of the largest land animals ever to live.
The species was named after the research team’s houseboat, Musankwa, which served as a floating laboratory during the expedition, and the nearby Sanyati River. Scientists said the name reflects the importance of the area where the fossils were recovered.
Evolutionary analysis indicates that Musango matusadonaensis may have been closely related to dinosaur species previously discovered in Argentina and South Africa. Researchers say this provides further evidence that early dinosaurs were able to spread across landmasses that were connected millions of years ago.
Co-author Dr Kimberley Chapelle said African dinosaur fossils remain underrepresented because fewer scientific expeditions have been carried out on the continent compared with other parts of the world. She said the limited number of discoveries reflects the level of exploration rather than a lack of fossils.
Dr Chapelle added that the discovery of Musango matusadonaensis demonstrates the significant paleontological potential of northern Zimbabwe and suggests that many more important fossil discoveries could still be made in the region. Researchers believe continued exploration could improve scientific understanding of prehistoric life in southern Africa.
The discovery adds to Zimbabwe’s growing contribution to paleontological research and highlights the scientific importance of the Lake Kariba area. By identifying a new dinosaur species dating back approximately 210 million years, researchers say the findings provide valuable evidence about the diversity, evolution and movement of some of Earth’s earliest dinosaurs.
