Hong Kong has unveiled its first-ever dinosaur fossils, found on an uninhabited island, marking a significant discovery for paleontological research in the region. The fossils, likely from a large dinosaur, were discovered on Port Island, known for its distinctive red rock formations. They date back to the Cretaceous period, approximately 145 to 66 million years ago.
While further study is required to determine the exact species of the dinosaur, experts have confirmed the fossils belong to large vertebrate animals. The discovery has sparked excitement within the scientific community, with China’s Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology (IVPP) signing an agreement to conduct additional research on the fossils.
Michael Pittman, assistant professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong’s School of Life Sciences, highlighted the importance of this find. “This extremely exciting discovery adds local dinosaur fossils to Hong Kong’s strong existing track record of dinosaur research. I hope it inspires greater interest in science and nature in our community and will lead to notable scientific outcomes,” he said.
Hong Kong’s Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department had previously speculated that Port Island’s sedimentary rocks might contain fossils, a theory now confirmed with this landmark find. Hong Kong joins countries like Argentina, Canada, and the United States as a site for significant dinosaur fossil discoveries.
On Friday, the fossils were displayed at the Heritage Discovery Centre in Kowloon Park, where eager visitors gathered to see them. Chong Got, 66, one of the first attendees, expressed his astonishment: “It’s shocking because I never thought there would be dinosaur fossils in Hong Kong.”
The discovery opens new doors for research and is expected to enhance understanding of the region’s ancient ecosystems.
Melissa Enoch
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