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Tazoudasaurus: The Ancient Dragon of Imghrane

The discovery of Tazoudasaurus naimi - a 180-million-year-old dinosaur found in Ait Zaghar, Ouarzazate

Tazoudasaurus: The Ancient Dragon of Imghrane

The landscape around Tazouda Hill where Tazoudasaurus was discovered
The red rock formations around Tazouda Hill in the Ait Zaghar region, where Tazoudasaurus fossils were discovered

Published: September 7, 2025

🦴 The Discovery

In 1998, a local shepherd found strange bones on a rocky slope near Tazouda Hill, in the Ait Zaghar region. He contacted local authorities about his discovery. When Moroccan authorities examined the bones, they contacted international experts, including Dr. Najat Aquesbi, a Moroccan paleontologist.

This led to the “Dinoatlas” project - a collaboration between Moroccan and international scientists that lasted from 2002 to 2006.

👥 The Research Team

🦕 About Tazoudasaurus

Tazoudasaurus naimi is an Early Jurassic sauropod dinosaur discovered at three sites around Tazouda Hill.

Physical Characteristics

Scientific Significance

Tazoudasaurus represents one of the most complete Early Jurassic sauropod skeletons ever found. The fossils include skull elements, vertebrae, limb bones, and evidence of multiple individuals living together.

🌿 The Ancient Environment

180 million years ago, the region had a warm, humid climate with river floodplains and abundant vegetation including ferns, cycads, and conifers. Tazoudasaurus shared its habitat with the carnivorous dinosaur Berberosaurus.

🔬 The Research Process

Fossils were carefully excavated using tools ranging from pickaxes to dental instruments. The bones were sent to the National Museum of Natural History in Paris for detailed study, revealing information about diet, growth patterns, and behavior.

👩‍🔬 Dr. Najat Aquesbi

Dr. Najat Aquesbi, born in Marrakech, studied paleontology in Paris and became head of Morocco’s Geological Museum. She was awarded the Wissam Alaoui by King Mohammed VI and led the scientific work on Tazoudasaurus.

🏛️ The Museum

Plans were made for a dinosaur museum at Tazouda as part of Morocco’s “Route of the Dinosaurs” tourist circuit, with construction beginning in 2009.

🗺️ Visiting the Sites

The fossil sites are located on Tazouda Hill in the Ait Zaghar region, about 65 kilometers from Ouarzazate. Visitors can see the original excavation sites and red rock formations of the Azilal Formation. Guided tours are available through local guides.

🦴 The Fossil Evidence

Rock formations at Ait Zaghar showing geological layers where fossils were discovered
Geological rock formations at Ait Zaghar, showing the type of sedimentary layers where Tazoudasaurus fossils were preserved for 180 million years

The excavation revealed remarkably well-preserved skeletal remains, providing scientists with crucial evidence about this Early Jurassic sauropod’s anatomy and behavior.

📚 Learn More & References

For additional information about Tazoudasaurus naimi and the discovery:

Scientific Resources:

Academic Publications:

Museums & Exhibitions:

Scientific Details:

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