Peru Researcher Reveals Fossils Similar To Dolphins 8-12 Million Years Old

Dolphin-like fossils found in Peru. (Source: Peru's Geological, Mining and Metallurgical Institute)

JAKARTA - Paleontologists in Peru on Wednesday revealed the fossil skeleton of ancient dolphins estimated to be between 8 and 12 million years old.

The fossil remains were discovered in July in the Ocucaje Desert, Peru, a region south of the capital Lima which was once part of the Pacific Ocean.

paleontologist Mario Urbina, who was involved in the discovery, called the ancient site a "big hotel", explaining the coastal mountains created a barrier from strong currents, making it an ideal and calm place for marine animals to reproduce.

It said the area was a sea for approximately 45 million years.

"Animals go there because on this part of the beach there are mountains parallel to the coast and serve as barriers to ocean currents," he was quoted as saying by the BBC.

Researchers from Peru's Institute of Geology, Mining, and Metalurgy (INGEMET) noted that these discoveries helped them understand the geography of the past and how the coastline has changed for thousands of years.

The Peruvian Deserts are considered a rich grave for ancient marine species, with fossils of relatives of a 9 million-year-old large white shark discovered earlier this year.

prehistoric remains have also been found elsewhere in Peru, in areas far from the coast. In April 2024, experts presented the largest known river dolphin fossil skull, which inhabits the region now known as Amazon about 16 million years ago.