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Syria Unveils First Pterosaur Fossil After Two Decades

10/24/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers identified Syria's first pterosaur fossil, a left humerus from a giant azhdarchid pterosaur.
Syrian paleontologist Wafa Adel Alhalabi rediscovered the specimen after nearly two decades of being overlooked.
The fossil suggests a wingspan up to 10 meters and was found in marine deposits, expanding knowledge of azhdarchid distribution and habitat.
The discovery highlights Syria's largely unexamined fossil record due to political and funding challenges and may spur more exploration.

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Story summary

Researchers identified Syria's first pterosaur fossil, a left humerus from a giant azhdarchid pterosaur.
Syrian paleontologist Wafa Adel Alhalabi rediscovered the specimen after nearly two decades of being overlooked.
The fossil suggests a wingspan up to 10 meters and was found in marine deposits, expanding knowledge of azhdarchid distribution and habitat.
The discovery highlights Syria's largely unexamined fossil record due to political and funding challenges and may spur more exploration.