University of Chicago Team Discovers New Dinosaur Species in Sahara

Spinosaurus mirabilis, a fish-eating giant, is the first new species of its kind found in a century.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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A team led by University of Chicago paleontologist Paul Sereno has discovered a new species of dinosaur called Spinosaurus mirabilis, or "hell heron", in the Sahara desert of Niger. The discovery marks the first new species of this type of dinosaur found in over 100 years.

Why it matters

The discovery of Spinosaurus mirabilis sheds new light on the evolution of the Spinosaurus genus and provides insights into the habitat and behavior of these ancient predators. It also highlights the continued scientific exploration and paleontological discoveries happening in remote regions of the world.

The details

In 2019, Sereno's team found a bone in the shape of a scimitar that they later determined was the head crest of Spinosaurus mirabilis. After a return trip in 2022 and further research, including a 3D digital skull assembly, the researchers were able to confirm the new species. Spinosaurus mirabilis had a skull with interlocking teeth, making it a deadly fish trap, and evidence suggests it lived in inland river areas, not just coastal regions as previously thought.

  • In 2019, Sereno's team found the initial bone that led to the discovery.
  • In 2022, the team returned and found more bones, allowing them to assemble a 3D digital skull.
  • The discovery marks the first new Spinosaurus species found in over a century.

The players

Paul Sereno

A celebrity paleontologist at the University of Chicago who led the expedition team that discovered Spinosaurus mirabilis.

Spinosaurus mirabilis

The newly discovered species of dinosaur, a fish-eating giant and the first new Spinosaurus species found in over 100 years.

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What they’re saying

“The gravity of this, you have to understand, is really the first time that Spinosaurus skull material has been found in over a century.”

— Paul Sereno, Paleontologist, University of Chicago (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Two replicas of Spinosaurus mirabilis will join the Dinosaur Expedition exhibit at the Chicago Children's Museum, allowing the public to learn more about this new discovery.

The takeaway

The discovery of Spinosaurus mirabilis in the Sahara desert highlights the continued scientific exploration and paleontological breakthroughs happening in remote regions of the world, expanding our understanding of prehistoric life.