Rare and almost complete dinosaur skeleton found in southern France
A remarkable discovery in southern France has unearthed a nearly complete dinosaur skeleton, stretching from the back skull to the tail. The huge fossil, identified as a titanosaur skeleton, was discovered in May 2022 by amateur paleontologist Damien Boschetto and his dog while walking through a forest in Montouliers, France.
Boschetto noticed an exposed bone sticking out of the ground after a cliff collapsed, leading to the excavation of the almost 10-meter-long fossil. This find is extraordinary as the bones were found in their almost original anatomical position, allowing for the presentation of complete animals to the public in anatomical positions.
The discovery was made by the Archaeological and Paleontological Cultural Association of the Cruzy Museum, in collaboration with the French National Center for Scientific Research. The association, founded in 1975 by history and archeology enthusiasts, aims to safeguard the heritage of the town of Cruzy and has become a hub for paleontology enthusiasts.
During the excavation, 70% of the titanosaur skeleton was recovered, along with other dinosaur and vertebrate fossils, including a Rhabdodon and fragments of carnivore skeletons. The titanosaur skeleton is currently housed in the Cruzy Museum’s laboratory for further study.
The age of the fossil is estimated to be between 70 and 72 million years old, from the Late Jurassic to the end of the Cretaceous period. The connected state of the skeleton suggests a rapid burial, preserving tissue that connects the bones. The integrity of the specimen will provide valuable information about this group of dinosaurs.
The region where the specimen was found is rich in late Cretaceous fossils, with plans to continue research and secure funding for a museum to house and present these collections. This discovery showcases the importance of amateur paleontologists in contributing to scientific research and understanding ancient ecosystems.