Scientists discover 210-million-year-old dinosaur in Zimbabwe

Scientists have uncovered a 210-million-year-old dinosaur in Zimbabwe, providing new insights into how these ancient creatures diversified and adapted to different environments in southern Africa. The newly identified species, named Musango matusadonaensis, was unearthed on the shores of Lake Kariba in northern Zimbabwe in 2018. This discovery marks the fifth dinosaur species documented in the country and adds to the growing body of evidence that southern African ecosystems during the Late Triassic period supported a variety of distinct dinosaur populations. The fossilized remains of Musango include well-preserved bones from its spine, ribs, arms, legs, and feet. Researchers estimate the dinosaur was approximately 4.5 meters (15 feet) long and weighed around 222 kilograms (490 pounds), comparable to the size of a fully grown pig. Unlike the massive sauropods that would evolve much later, Musango appears to have been relatively lightweight and agile. It likely lived near river systems, feeding on vegetation such as plants growing along waterways. Although its skull has not been found, the structure of its bones suggests it may have been either a herbivore or an omnivore. The name Musango matusadonaensis reflects both the scientific and cultural significance of the find. “Musango” comes from the local Shona language, meaning “living in the bush,” while “matusadonaensis” refers to the Matuzadona area in Zimbabwe where the fossil was discovered. The discovery challenges earlier assumptions that all dinosaurs in southern Africa were similar. Instead, it indicates that the region was composed of multiple distinct ecosystems, each supporting unique dinosaur species. Paul Barrett, a researcher at the Natural History Museum in London, emphasized the importance of this finding. He noted that previous studies suggested a homogeneity among southern African dinosaurs, but Musango demonstrates otherwise. “What we’ve found so far is only the tip of the iceberg,” Barrett stated. His team’s research was published in the Journal of Systematic Palaeontology, detailing the anatomical features and geological context of the fossil. The Musango fossil is considered one of the most complete dinosaur skeletons of its age found in Zimbabwe. Analysis of the bones revealed that the animal was about eight years old and nearly fully grown when it died. Additionally, the presence of healed fractures or signs of infection suggests that Musango survived a severe injury, indicating resilience and adaptability. This discovery follows another significant find in Zimbabwe in 2022, when scientists identified Mbiresaurus raathi, Africa’s oldest known dinosaur. That species, dating back 230 million years, was smaller, only about 1 meter (3 feet) tall, and weighed up to 30 kilograms (66 pounds). These two discoveries highlight the rich paleontological history of the region and suggest that Zimbabwe may hold more secrets about early dinosaur evolution. The research team includes an international group of paleontologists who worked extensively on the site. Their work involved careful excavation and analysis of the sediment layers surrounding the fossil to determine its age and environmental conditions. The Pebbly Arkose Formation, where the Musango remains were found, is part of the Upper Triassic strata, specifically the Norian stage, which dates to around 210 million years ago. Further studies are expected to explore the broader implications of these findings. Researchers plan to conduct additional fieldwork in the region to uncover more fossils and better understand the ecological diversity of the Late Triassic period in southern Africa. They hope to identify other species that may have coexisted with Musango and to map out the evolutionary pathways leading to the dominance of dinosaurs in subsequent eras. The discovery of Musango matusadonaensis underscores the ongoing efforts to piece together the prehistoric past of Africa. As more fossils are uncovered, scientists will gain deeper insights into how early dinosaurs thrived in diverse environments before becoming the dominant terrestrial vertebrates of the Mesozoic era.