Fossils Over 100 Million Years Old Found in Maranhão Reveal a New Dinosaur Species

After three years of research, scientists have confirmed that fossils discovered in Davinópolis, Maranhão, belong to a previously unknown dinosaur species that lived approximately 100 million years ago. The study is led by paleontologist Elver Luiz Mayer from the Federal University of Vale do São Francisco (Univasf) and is expected to unveil more details about this ancient giant.

The fossils are from a dinosaur of the sauropod group, characterized by a long neck and small head. Researchers estimate that the animal measured around 18 meters in length. Mayer’s team identified similarities between this dinosaur and another found in a different country, with full details set to be released in 2025.

Initial analysis focused on identifying the preserved body parts and comparing them with known species. The fossils are now being prepared for their return to Maranhão, where they will be displayed at the Center for Natural History and Archaeology Research in São Luís.

The discovery occurred in April 2021 during the construction of a railway. Among the fossils uncovered were a femur over 1.5 meters long, limbs, ribs, and vertebrae. After the excavation, the fossils were sent to the Federal University of Southern and Southeastern Pará (Univesspa) for analysis.

This finding is particularly significant, as although other titanosaurs have been discovered in Maranhão, the Davinópolis fossils stand out for their exceptional preservation and the proximity of the bones. Microscopic studies are underway to gain deeper insights into the dinosaur’s growth, metabolism, and the environmental factors that allowed the fossils to be so well-preserved.

This discovery highlights the importance of the region for paleontology and expands our understanding of the dinosaurs that inhabited Brazil millions of years ago.

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