Umamah Bakharia 

Scientists have unearthed in Zimbabwe the remains of Africa’s oldest dinosaur, which lived more than 230 million years ago. The Mbiresaurus raathi was one metre tall, ran on two legs and had a long neck and jagged  teeth.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, Deputy Director of National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, Darlington Munyikwa who was part of the expeditions says this discovery is very important to the study of the evolution of dinosaurs.

“This is part of our heritage,” he says. Adding that they had also discovered other animal remains in the area during the expedition.

“We also discovered some other animals that were living together with these dinosaurs, the combination of these animals are again very similar to those that were found elsewhere and hence this sight is very important in terms of trying to study [that period of time],” says Munyikwa.

Currently, the newly discovered dinosaur remains will be kept at the Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo and will be accessible to researchers wanting to discover it upon request.

“Its very special material and hence make sure that it is safe but whoever wants access to it can apply for permits to do so, we can loan it out for further studies but it is our heritage it will be kept [in Zimbabwe],” he says.

Zimbabwe has been a place of discovery on animals etc. for many years.