Egypt’s paleontology center uncovers ancient dinosaur history
Research hub reveals major fossil discoveries showing Egypt once hosted diverse prehistoric life millions of years ago
CAIRO, Egypt (MNTV) — Vertebrate Paleontology Center Mansoura University has emerged as a leading scientific institution, uncovering groundbreaking discoveries that show Egypt was once home to a rich ecosystem of dinosaurs and other ancient species.
Established at the Faculty of Science, the center is the first specialized institution of its kind in the Middle East dedicated to studying vertebrate fossils, including dinosaurs, mammals, reptiles, fish and birds, with the aim of tracing the evolutionary history of life in the region.
Led by Hesham Sallam, the research team has positioned Egypt as a key contributor to global paleontology, particularly through discoveries made in the Western Desert, an area now recognized as a major site for understanding prehistoric biodiversity.
Among its most significant findings is the discovery of Mansourasaurus, a dinosaur that lived around 80 million years ago during the Cretaceous period, according to Egypt Today news.
The fossil has provided crucial insight into the evolutionary links between African and European dinosaur species, confirming that the region once supported diverse ecosystems.
The center also identified a new species of ancient crocodile, Wadisoxus, which lived roughly 80 million years ago. This discovery has contributed to a deeper understanding of crocodile evolution and its connection to broader extinction events.
In addition, researchers uncovered a new genus of predatory mammals dating back about 30 million years, while also reclassifying older fossil discoveries, reflecting advancements in Egypt’s scientific research capabilities.
Another major breakthrough came with the discovery of ancient ape fossils in the Western Desert, challenging long-held assumptions that early ape evolution was confined to East Africa and demonstrating that North Africa also played a significant role in their development.
Scientists say the Western Desert was once a vastly different environment, containing forests, rivers and a wide range of species, including dinosaurs, mammals and large reptiles.
These findings provide an important record of life on Earth and have contributed to reshaping scientific understanding of evolutionary history in Africa.
The center’s work has gained international recognition, with research published in leading scientific journals and multiple global awards earned. It has also become a destination for researchers worldwide, highlighting Egypt’s growing role in advanced scientific exploration.
Experts describe the center as a model of modern research excellence, transforming the Western Desert into a key site for uncovering millions of years of Earth’s history and reinforcing Egypt’s importance not only as a cradle of civilization but also as a major hub for the study of ancient life.
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