SAEDNEWS: Ancient Dolphin-Like Fossil Unearthed in Peru Dating Back 8–12 Million Years
According to SaedNews Science and Technology Service, Fossil remains were discovered in July in the Ocucaje Desert, south of Peru’s capital Lima, an area that was once part of the Pacific Ocean. Paleontologist Mario Urbina, who participated in the discovery, described the fossil site as a “large hotel,” explaining that coastal mountain ranges acted as a barrier against strong ocean currents. This created a calm environment that was highly suitable for marine life reproduction.

According to reports, this region remained underwater for approximately 45 million years. Researchers from Peru’s Geological, Mining and Metallurgical Institute stated that the discovery helps improve understanding of ancient geography and long-term changes in coastlines over thousands of years.
Peru’s deserts are known as rich graveyards of ancient marine species. Earlier this year, a 9-million-year-old fossil of a relative of the great white shark was also discovered in the country.

In addition, prehistoric remains have been found in other inland regions of Peru far from the modern coastline. In April 2024, experts identified the fossilized skull of the largest known river dolphin ancestor, a species that lived around 16 million years ago in what is now the Amazon region.