Researchers from Mansoura University participated in an international study that identified a new genus of gavialid crocodiles dating back approximately 45 million years. The discovery followed the re-examination of an Egyptian fossil initially found on Mokattam Mountain in 1927.
Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and acting Minister of Culture Abdelaziz Konsowa congratulated the university and its Vertebrate Palaeontology Centre team. He noted that the achievement demonstrates the research capabilities of Egyptian universities and highlights the value of modern technologies in analyzing historical scientific collections.
President of Mansoura University Sherif Khater stated that the center's involvement adds to the institution's scientific research record and demonstrates its dedication to fostering studies that generate new knowledge.
Hesham Sallam, head of the Vertebrate Palaeontology Centre, explained that the re-examined fossil represents a new genus titled Herugavialis, with the species designated as Herugavialis cairensis. He added that the finding improves understanding of gavialid diversity and evolutionary history across Egypt and the Mediterranean region, while forming part of broader efforts to re-examine historical Egyptian fossils preserved in overseas museums using modern technology.
