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Desert Yields New Ancient Sea Cow Species
17 Dec, 2025
Summary
- A new 21-million-year-old sea cow species discovered in Qatar.
- The fossil site in Qatar is one of the world's richest marine deposits.
- Fossils may help predict marine ecosystem responses to climate change.
A significant discovery has been made in Qatar's Al Maszhabiya region, where scientists have identified a previously unknown species of sea cow. Named Salwasiren qatarensis, this ancient creature roamed the area approximately 21 million years ago.
The Al Maszhabiya site is a remarkably rich bonebed, yielding not only the new sea cow but also fossils of sharks, prehistoric dolphins, and sea turtles. This concentration of marine life indicates the area was once a vibrant shallow sea.
Researchers believe the study of these ancient fossils can provide valuable data for understanding how modern marine ecosystems might respond to ongoing environmental challenges such as rising sea temperatures and pollution.
