Hong Kong researchers have uncover dinosaur fossils within its territory for the first time in history. This landmark discovery was announce, marking a pivotal moment in the region’s palaeontological studies.
An initial examination reveal that the fossil, a weather fragment of bone, dates back to the Cretaceous period, around 145 to 66 million years ago.
As the specific species remains undetermine, this discovery opens new avenues for research within the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark at Port Island.
Experts discover the fossil remains in fragment and weather states on Port Island, a remote location within Hong Kong’s UNESCO-listed geopark.
Government officials share that the bone fragments appeare to have cover by sediments over time and potentially unearth via natural flooding.
In an area where previous discoveries include ancient marine life like ostracods and ammonites dating back hundreds of millions of years, the dinosaur fossil marks an extraordinary first for Hong Kong.
Michael Pittman, Assistant Professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, express enthusiasm for the unprecedent find.
Having conduct fieldwork on Port Island himself, Michael Pittman noted the challenge of locating dinosaur remains due to the precise age and environmental conditions require for fossil preservation.
As he hasn’t examine the fossils personally, Michael Pittman said that the find could be part of a larger skeletal structure, potentially extending many metres in length.
After discovering sedimentary formations on Port Island containing potential vertebrate fossils in March, the Hong Kong government enlist mainland Chinese researchers for further analysis.
Officials have since close the site to facilitate further excavation and research.
The fossil will be publicly display at the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre.
By year’s end, visitors will also have access to a temporary exhibition space where they can observe the meticulous process of fossil preparation.
