Chinese paleontologists recently discovered a Jurassic dinosaur fossil in Lufeng County, Yunnan Province, southwestern China.
Local media in Yunnan publicly announced this groundbreaking discovery on June 1. The fossil is remarkably well-preserved, with up to 70% intact, belonging to a dinosaur measuring 8 meters long.
Chinese paleontologists have found a relatively complete dinosaur fossil.
“Discovering a dinosaur fossil that is this well-preserved is extremely rare globally,” said Wang Tao, head of the Dinosaur Fossil Research and Conservation Center in Lufeng County.
“This fossil could be considered a national treasure and a groundbreaking discovery in the field of paleontology if we find the dinosaur’s skull in the next excavation,” Mr. Wang added.
The newly discovered dinosaur fossil is estimated to be 180 million years old, dating back to the Jurassic period.
“Based on our analysis, we believe this specimen belongs to the species Lufengosaurus, which lived during the early Jurassic period. We estimate the complete dinosaur fossil to be 8 meters long,” Mr. Wang further explained.
Lufengosaurus can grow up to 9 meters in length and weigh 1.7 tons. They have long necks and short limbs. Lufengosaurus is a herbivorous dinosaur, despite having sharp claws and canine teeth.
The Dinosaur Fossil Research and Conservation Center in Lufeng County is working to quickly collect all fossil samples discovered on the hillside, due to concerns that landslides could affect excavation efforts.
Earlier this year, Chinese paleontologists also discovered part of a juvenile dinosaur fossil in Lufeng. This could represent a new dinosaur species as it does not resemble any known dinosaur.
