A33-foot-long ichthyosaur fossil, the biggest of a predator that roamed the waters during the dinosaur era, has been discovered in an English nature reserve.
The massive remains of a prehistoric reptile, which existed alongside dinosaurs approximately 180 million years ago in the Jurassic Period, were uncovered during routine maintenance work in a British nature reserve.
In an English nature reserve, the largest ichthyosaur fossil ever found in the UK has been discovered. This 33-foot-long fossil belonged to a predator that inhabited the waters during the era of dinosaurs.
This extraordinary find represents the largest and most complete fossil of its kind ever discovered in the United Kingdom. It is also believed to be the first identified ichthyosaur of its specific species (Temnodontosaurus trigonodon) in the country. The block of clay that held the 6-foot (2-meter) skull, along with the surrounding clay, weighed a ton when it was lifted for preservation and examination.
Joe Davis, the leader of the conservation team at Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, came across this incredible specimen in February 2021 while clearing out a lagoon island for landscaping purposes.
Mr. Davis shared, “While walking with a colleague, I noticed a series of ridges in the mud. There was something distinctive about it — it had organic features where it connected to the rib. That’s when we realized we needed to call someone and find out what was happening.”
He added, “It turned out to be exceptionally well-preserved, even better than we could have imagined.”
Reflecting on the discovery, Mr. Davis stated, “This find has been absolutely fascinating and a true highlight of my career. It’s incredible to learn so much from the discovery of this reptile and to think that this ancient creature swam in the seas above us. Once again, Rutland Water has become a sanctuary for wetland wildlife, albeit on a smaller scale.”
Leading the excavation team, Dr. Dean Lomax, a paleontologist at the University of Manchester, has studied numerous ichthyosaurs. He expressed, “It was an absolute privilege to lead this excavation. Ichthyosaurs were born in Britain, and their fossils have been unearthed here for over 200 years.”
“This is an unprecedented discovery and one of the most significant finds in the history of British paleontology,” remarked Dr. David Norman, the curator of dinosaurs at London’s Natural History Museum, in a written statement.
Currently, the fossil is being examined and protected in Shropshire, but plans are underway to return it to Rutland for permanent display.
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