Rare, nearly complete dinosaur skeleton discovered in southern France
(CNN) — A remarkable discovery in southern France has unveiled a rare specimen: a nearly complete dinosaur skeleton that stretches from the back skull to the tail.
The massive fossil was found in May 2022, when amateur paleontologist Damien Boschetto and his dog stumbled upon something extraordinary while walking through a forest in Montouliers, France. Boschetto noticed a collapsed cliff and decided to investigate when he saw an exposed bone sticking out of the ground, according to local media outlet France Bleu.
The Archaeological and Paleontological Cultural Association of the Cruzy Museum, in partnership with the French National Center for Scientific Research, identified the almost 10-meter-long fossil as a titanosaur skeleton during the excavation. Boschetto, a long-time member of the association, expressed excitement over the find, highlighting the significance of the bones being found in their original anatomical position.
Members of the Archaeological and Paleontological Cultural Association have been excavating the site, which Boschetto described as a “bed of bones,” for the past two years. The recent discovery is not Boschetto’s first significant find, as the group also uncovered fossils of various dinosaurs and vertebrates, including some with anatomical connections and almost complete remains.
The titanosaur skeleton is currently housed in the Cruzy Museum’s laboratory, where it will undergo further study. Researchers estimate the age of the fossil to be between 70 and 72 million years old, belonging to a group of dinosaurs known as titanosaurs that roamed from the Late Jurassic to the end of the Cretaceous period.
According to Matthew Carrano, a research geologist and curator at the National Museum of Natural History, the integrity of the specimen will aid in determining whether it is a new species or a new specimen of a known species. The discovery is expected to provide crucial new information about this group of dinosaurs.
The region where the specimen was found is renowned for its rich fossil deposits, and the association intends to continue research on the fossils and explore the area further. Plans are also in place to secure funding for a large-scale museum to house and exhibit these valuable collections. The association kept the discovery under wraps until excavations were completed to protect the archaeological site.
The find has sparked excitement among experts and enthusiasts alike, offering a rare glimpse into the world of dinosaurs and shedding new light on the prehistoric era.