Dinosaur 'Hell Heron' With Crested Head Unearthed

In a remote Sahara desert site in Niger, paleontologists have unearthed fossils belonging to a new species of Spinosaurus, a colossal meat-eating dinosaur. This newly identified species, named Spinosaurus mirabilis, meaning "astonishing spine lizard," is distinguished by a large, blade-shaped head crest, approximately 20 inches tall.

The Spinosaurus mirabilis roamed Africa approximately 95 million years ago during the Cretaceous Period. It measured around 40 feet in length and weighed an estimated 5-7 tons. Its anatomy, including a long, crocodile-like snout and interlocking teeth, indicates a specialized diet of fish, earning it the nickname "hell heron" from researchers.

The creature also featured a prominent sail-like structure on its back. The crest's fragility suggests it was primarily for display, potentially used in attracting mates or territorial disputes. This discovery provides significant evidence of Spinosaurus being a semiaquatic predator adapted to shallow waters, rather than a fully marine animal.

Fossils of this new species were found far inland, challenging previous hypotheses about Spinosaurus dwelling in open ocean waters. The research, published in the journal Science, highlights unique adaptations like retracted nostrils and specialized teeth for trapping slippery prey.