New Dinosaur Species Potentially Discovered in Spain

Paleontologists in La Rioja, Spain uncovered abundant fossils this July suggesting a new species of large herbivorous dinosaur. A team from the Universities of La Rioja, Basque Country, and A Coruña excavated at the Las Cerradas site in Igea, recovering pelvic elements, a scapula, and hand bones dating back roughly 120 million years. While researchers caution further comparative study is needed, the quality of the fossils raises the possibility this specimen represents an as-yet-undescribed species of ornithopod.

The dig also revealed fossils of crocodiles, freshwater sharks, fish, turtles, and plant life, providing a more complete picture of the Cretaceous ecosystem. Researchers plan to return to the site in 2027 to excavate the dinosaur’s tail. Analysis of fossilized pollen will further refine understanding of the ancient environment and the dinosaur’s diet.