Story perspectives

New Moroccan Titanosaur Links Africa to South America

4/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

Dr. Nick Longrich (University of Bath) and his team described Phosphatotitan khouribgaensis.
Vertebrae and pelvic fragments were found in phosphate deposits at Sidi Chennane, Oulad Abdoun Basin, Morocco.
It lived in the Maastrichtian, 70 million years ago, with anatomy linking it to South American Lognkosauria titanosaurs like Patagotitan, implying Gondwanan spread.
Its mass is estimated at 3.5–4 tons, a modest size that reflects island-like conditions producing an endemic Moroccan fauna.

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Story summary

Dr. Nick Longrich (University of Bath) and his team described Phosphatotitan khouribgaensis.
Vertebrae and pelvic fragments were found in phosphate deposits at Sidi Chennane, Oulad Abdoun Basin, Morocco.
It lived in the Maastrichtian, 70 million years ago, with anatomy linking it to South American Lognkosauria titanosaurs like Patagotitan, implying Gondwanan spread.
Its mass is estimated at 3.5–4 tons, a modest size that reflects island-like conditions producing an endemic Moroccan fauna.