According to a research report published by the Faculty of Science at the University of Lisbon (FCUL) on September 4, Portuguese paleontologist Pedro Mocho and his colleagues have identified a new species of theropod dinosaur, which lived 75 million years ago.
This newly discovered dinosaur species has been scientifically named “Qunkasaura pintiquiniestra”, identified through the analysis of fossil samples excavated during the construction of the high-speed rail line between Madrid and Levante in the city of Cuenca, Spain.
The remaining bones of the dinosaur Qunkasaura pintiquiniestra. (Photo: Eurekalert).
According to scientists, these fossils are part of the most important collections of vertebrate animals from the late Cretaceous period in Europe, excavated at the archaeological site of Lo Hueco in Cuenca.
Paleontologist Mocho, who works at the Dom Luiz Institute of FCUL, stated that the dinosaur fossils belong to a branch of medium to large-sized sauropods, indicating that this group arrived on the Iberian Peninsula later than other dinosaur species.
According to FCUL, the Qunkasaura pintiquiniestra fossils are among the most complete sauropod dinosaur fossils ever found in Europe, including vertebrae from the neck, back, and tail, as well as parts of the pelvis and limbs.
The name of this dinosaur species is derived from geographical and cultural references to Cuenca, honoring both the region’s history and the legacy of Spanish painter Antonio Saura. They have a relatively large body, long necks, and relatively small heads. A portion of their skeleton is currently on display at the Castilla – La Mancha Paleontology Museum in Cuenca.
