In the heart of Morocco’s Khouribga region lies the Ouled Abdoun Basin, a treasure trove of phosphate deposits that has recently yielded remarkable paleontological discoveries. Among these is the identification of fossilized teeth and jaw fragments belonging to Chenanisaurus barbaricus, a formidable theropod dinosaur that roamed North Africa approximately 66 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period.
A Glimpse into Chenanisaurus barbaricus
Chenanisaurus barbaricus is classified within the Abelisauridae family, a group of bipedal carnivorous dinosaurs known for their short, robust skulls and reduced forelimbs. Measuring an estimated 7 to 8 meters in length, Chenanisaurus was a dominant predator in its ecosystem, preying upon contemporaneous species such as the hadrosaurid Ajnabia odysseus and various titanosaurian sauropods .
Discovery in Marine Sediments
The fossilized remains of Chenanisaurus, including distinctive teeth and jaw fragments, were uncovered in the Sidi Chennane phosphate mines within the Ouled Abdoun Basin. Notably, these remains were found in marine sedimentary layers, a surprising context for terrestrial dinosaur fossils. This suggests that the carcasses of land-dwelling dinosaurs like Chenanisaurus were transported to marine environments, possibly through river systems or coastal flooding events, before becoming fossilized.
Significance of the Find
The identification of Chenanisaurus teeth in Morocco’s phosphate basins provides valuable insights into the diversity and distribution of Late Cretaceous theropods in Africa. It underscores the unique evolutionary pathways of Gondwanan dinosaurs, distinct from their Laurasian counterparts like Tyrannosaurus rex. Moreover, the discovery highlights the potential of Morocco’s phosphate mines as rich repositories of both marine and terrestrial fossils, offering a window into ecosystems that existed just before the mass extinction event at the end of the Cretaceous period .