Meet Spicomellus afer: Africa's First Armored Dinosaur Rewrites Evolution

Scientists have uncovered a rare dinosaur fossil in Morocco's Middle Atlas Mountains. The partial skeleton belongs to Spicomellus afer, the first ankylosaur ever found in Africa and the oldest known of its kind. Dating back 165 million years, this Middle Jurassic creature sheds new light on early armoured dinosaurs.

The fossil was unearthed in 2023 near Boulemane, within the El Mers III Formation. It now resides at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University in Fes, Morocco. Among its standout features are two unique tail vertebrae, hinting at an early form of tail weaponry—something previously thought to have developed later.

Spicomellus afer measured around 4 to 5 metres long, making it smaller than later ankylosaurs like Ankylosaurus. Its body was covered in elaborate armour, including metre-long neck spikes, rib spikes, and hip spikes. Researchers believe this armour served dual purposes: protection against predators and flashy displays for mating or intimidation.

The discovery has already made an impact beyond science. It helped establish a dedicated lab and fossil collection at the university. Local researchers also received training in excavation and fossil preparation, boosting Morocco's paleontology capabilities.

Published in Nature, the study suggests ankylosaurs may have begun with showy armour for display. Over time, their defences likely adapted to fend off larger predators, becoming more functional than ornamental.

The find marks a milestone for African paleontology, confirming ankylosaurs lived in the region far earlier than assumed. With its unique armour and tail structure, Spicomellus afer offers clues about how these dinosaurs evolved. The fossil's preservation and study have also strengthened research infrastructure in Morocco.