New 'Hell Heron' Dinosaur Species Discovered in Sahara Desert

Paleontologists have identified a new dinosaur species, Spinosaurus mirabilis, in Niger's Sahara Desert. This discovery provides fresh insights into the evolution of spinosaurid dinosaurs.

The species is notable for its large, scimitar-shaped cranial crest, which researchers believe was covered in keratin and likely served as a display feature. Fossil evidence suggests that S. mirabilis inhabited inland river systems, challenging previous assumptions that spinosaurids were primarily coastal dwellers.

Paul Sereno, a professor at the University of Chicago who led the research team, described the dinosaur as a "hell heron" that waded into shallow waters to hunt fish. The findings were published in the journal Science on February 19, 2026.