A groundbreaking discovery has brought to light a new species of dinosaur, the Tameryraptor markgrafi, offering a fresh glimpse into prehistoric Egypt. Known as the "thief from the beloved land," this giant horned dinosaur once roamed the Bahariya Oasis in Egypt's Western Desert approximately 95 million years ago. Researchers have identified it as one of the largest carnivorous land creatures, measuring an impressive 33 feet (10 meters) long.
The fossils of Tameryraptor markgrafi were initially unearthed in 1914 by German fossil collector Richard Markgraf. These fossils were housed at the Bavarian State Collection for Paleontology and Geology (BSPG) in Germany. Unfortunately, a bombing raid during World War II in 1944 led to their destruction. However, recent discoveries of previously unknown photographs in the Huene Archive at the University of Tübingen, Germany, have allowed scientists to reconstruct and identify this distinctive species. The photos, taken in the 1940s, showcased the fossils on display, offering crucial insights into their unique features.
Initially, scientists believed the dinosaur belonged to the Carcharodontosaurus group. However, further examination of the photographic evidence revealed distinctive characteristics that set it apart. The presence of a prominent horn and an enlarged frontal brain were among the features absent in other Carcharodontosaurus fossils. These unique traits prompted paleontologists to classify it as a theropod dinosaur, distinct from its previous categorization.
The species name, markgrafi, honors Richard Markgraf, whose efforts led to the initial discovery in 1914. This newfound identification highlights the importance of revisiting historical archives and documents to uncover lost scientific knowledge. Maximilian Kellermann, a key researcher involved in the study, expressed his initial confusion and subsequent excitement upon discovering the new photos.
"At first I was a bit confused when we found the new photos, and then I was super excited," – Maximilian Kellermann
The discovery of Tameryraptor markgrafi sheds light on the diversity of dinosaur life across North Africa, suggesting a richer ecosystem than previously understood. Kellermann noted that other taxa potentially shared between Egypt and Morocco might also be distinct and warrant further exploration.
"There are some other taxa that are also seemingly shared between Egypt and Morocco, such as Deltadromeus or the famous Spinosaurus, which I suspect are also quite distinct if one takes the time to go through Stromer's old texts and the old Archives," – Kellermann
Published in the journal PLOS One on Tuesday, this research underscores the significance of interdisciplinary efforts and archival exploration in paleontology. The study not only expands our understanding of dinosaur evolution but also emphasizes the potential for more discoveries within historical records.
