Latest news with #Paleocene
Al-Ahram Weekly
17-07-2025
- Science
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Mangroves against climate change - Features - Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt has been pioneering the propagation of mangrove forests to fight climate change and develop its blue and green economy. Climate change is a major concern worldwide, and different countries are making efforts to adapt to its effects and mitigate its impacts. Egypt is highly vulnerable to climate change, as has been shown in rising temperatures, heat waves, the rise in the sea level, and dust storms, and it has been pioneering regional efforts to adapt as a result. It is working on several projects to propagate mangrove forests along its coastlines as part of the fight against climate change and of the presidential initiative to grow 100 million trees. Various organisations have launched projects to expand mangrove forests along the Red Sea coasts in particular. Mangrove plantations not only help to improve environmental conditions, due to their ability to absorb and store carbon dioxide, but they can also enhance the social and economic well-being of local communities. Mangrove trees grow in saltwater or in areas of low salinity. They thrive along tropical and subtropical shorelines, particularly in tidal zones. The oldest known fossils of mangroves date back to 75 million years ago, when the mangrove first appeared during the Late Cretaceous to Paleocene eras. It then spread due to the movement of the Earth's tectonic plates. One project focused on mangrove cultivation in Egypt was initiated by the Environment Without Borders Foundation headed by Adel Abdallah Suleiman. He said that the project is concerned with conserving and propagating mangrove trees in Wadi Al-Gemal (Valley of the Camels) in the Red Sea region. 'The project, which began in 2024 and runs until 2028 under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Environment, is in line with national efforts to address environmental challenges and promote sustainability as well as the principles of the blue economy,' Suleiman said. 'Leveraging the vital role of mangrove trees in carbon storage and climate change mitigation, the project will continue to generate revenues from carbon storage for 20 years, serving as a model for nature-based solutions. It also revives long-suspended conservation and propagation programmes, which had been halted due to limited resources at the Wadi Al-Gemal reserve.' 'The project adopts a modern scientific approach, utilising tissue culture techniques that promise high success rates and address the challenges that hindered previous propagation efforts,' Suleiman said. 'It is aligned with the goals of the National Climate Change Strategy 2050, which prioritises mitigating climate change impacts through sustainable, nature-based solutions. It also supports the objectives of the National Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2030 and the Biodiversity Finance Initiative. Expanding mangrove areas and leveraging green finance opportunities enhance ecosystem resilience and the absorption of the greenhouse gases that promote climate change.' The Wadi Al-Gemal reserve is benefiting on multiple fronts from the project, with 2,000 people from the local community expected to participate in project activities. 'Mangroves are an important habitat for bees, which produce some of the world's finest honey, prized for its nutritional value, from mangrove forests. Apiaries have been established in the Wadi Al-Gemal forests, helping to create new job opportunities for local residents.' As part of the project's efforts to rehabilitate and restore the area's mangrove ecosystems, '5,000 seedlings have been propagated in the reserve's greenhouse, in addition to 4,000 in collaboration with researchers from the Desert Research Centre. Some 8,000 seedlings have been planted at two sites in the vicinity of the reserve,' Suleiman said. A 200-square-metre greenhouse has been rehabilitated to provide optimal conditions for seed germination, and agreements have been signed with three local groups, each consisting of 30 members, that are engaged in seed collection and planting under the supervision of specialists. Suleiman said that a seed-collection programme was launched in collaboration with the reserve team, which involved diving into deep mangrove channels. Thus far, 7,000 seeds fit for planting have been collected. In addition, seeds were propagated in the greenhouse at Wadi Al-Gemal, with a survival rate of over 88 per cent. 'Planting efforts have been concentrated at four sites —Safaga, Hamata, Shalateen in the Red Sea governorate, and the Nabq Nature Reserve in the South Sinai governorate. These locations were selected to maximise the project's economic, environmental, and tourism benefits,' Suleiman said. 'Some 2,000 seedlings were planted at two of the four targeted sites, and an additional 6,000 were planted in the other two areas. The project targets planting 300,000 seedlings over the four years of its duration, covering a total area of 500 feddans,' he added. BENEFITS OF MANGROVES: 'Mangroves are vital trees in many coastal environments. They serve as a natural barrier between marine and terrestrial ecosystems, protecting shorelines from wind, floods, and waves. They also play a key role in improving water quality by filtering pollutants, trapping sediments, and reducing coastal erosion,' said Sayed Khalifa, an expert in mangrove cultivation, head of the Agricultural Syndicate, and secretary-general of the Union of African Agricultural Engineers. 'Environmentally, mangroves provide critical habitats for a wide variety of species. Many coastal and marine fish and shellfish depend on mangrove ecosystems as key spawning and breeding grounds, benefiting from the trees' high salinity tolerance and the protection they offer,' Khalifa said. 'Mangrove forests are important to the economic and urban development projects taking place along the Red Sea and in the Gulf of Aqaba. They generate high economic returns, with ecotourism in mangrove reserves contributing an estimated $500 million annually,' he noted. 'But these trees are endangered the world over,' he added, stressing that it is important to monitor mangrove trees throughout their growth until they mature into forests. These are 'productive and vital ecosystems whose impact extends beyond the areas they occupy. In Egypt, mangroves grow in limited zones along the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba, all of which have been designated as protected natural reserves,' Khalifa said. 'Expanding mangrove cultivation is key to adapting to climate change, safeguarding coastal zones from climate-related risks, and fostering social and economic stability. Egypt's mangrove forest projects align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Africa's Agenda 2063, and the objectives of the Global Environment Facility.' Because of their capacity to store greenhouse gases and protect coastlines, offering four times the protection of tropical forests, Khalifa suggested launching a national campaign to plant more mangrove trees. President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi has also instructed further planting to develop Egypt's green economy and protect its biodiversity, he added. 'Egypt is experiencing a success story in mangrove propagation and cultivation, thanks to rigorous scientific research. The country now boasts a new generation of young researchers, agricultural engineers, and technicians specialising in this field, many of whom are now being sought after by neighbouring countries for assistance in launching similar projects,' Khalifa stated. The Arab-African Youth Forum for the Coastal Environment, held 12 times in Hurghada on the Red Sea, invites young people to participate in its activities, which include planting mangrove seedlings along the beaches of Safaga in the Red Sea governorate, said Mamdouh Rashwan, secretary-general of the Arab Union for Youth and the Environment. 'This and other activities are meant to promote ecotourism, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and encourage the expansion of sustainable tourism projects in the area,' he stated. The forum is organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Environment, the Arab League, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and coordinated by the Arab Union for Youth and the Environment. Rashwan warned that rising temperatures associated with climate change have adversely affected mangrove growth and led to the degradation of several sites along the Red Sea coast. This, he said, necessitates coordinated efforts to rehabilitate and expand the mangrove forests. In August, Egyptian, Arab, and African university students will resume planting mangrove seedlings during the 13th Arab-African Youth Forum for the Coastal Environment in Hurghada, he said, noting that Egypt is now positioned as a hub for training, propagation, and the regulation of mangrove-related economic activities across Africa and the Middle East. * A version of this article appears in print in the 17 July, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Vasuki Indicus vs Titanoboa: Who was the largest snake in fossil history
Earth, our dynamic and life-sustaining planet, is approximately 4.543 billion years old. Over these vast eons, it has undergone dramatic transformations—from fiery origins and shifting continents to the rise and extinction of countless species. Among the incredible creatures that once roamed our world were the largest snakes ever discovered, giants so immense they rival modern vehicles in size and power. Two prehistoric titans, Titanoboa and Vasuki Indicus, stand out as the ultimate apex predators of their time. But which of these colossal snakes truly holds the title as Earth's largest ever fossil? Titanoboa or Vasuki: Which fossil snake was Earth's largest ever discovered Titanoboa: Earth's Giant predator Source: Washington Post Titanoboa cerrejonensis is considered the largest snake in prehistoric history, dominating Colombia's swampy ecosystems about 58–60 million years ago during the Paleocene epoch. Discovered in 2009 in the Cerrejón coal mines, its fossilized vertebrae were initially mistaken for a crocodile's. Researchers led by Jonathan Bloch and Carlos Jaramillo confirmed it was a massive snake, stretching up to 15 meters (50 feet) and weighing 1.25 tonnes. With a body thicker than an oil drum, Titanoboa crushed its prey using 400 psi of muscle force. The discovery made headlines globally, and a life-size model now stands at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Vasuki Indicus: 47-million-year-old snake confirmed in 2024 study In 2005, paleontologists discovered 27 massive vertebrae at the Panadhro Lignite Mine in Gujarat, India—initially thought to be from a crocodile. After nearly nine years of analysis, scientists led by Sunil Bajpai confirmed the remains belonged to a new species of giant snake, named Vasuki Indicus, after the mythical serpent from Hindu lore. Dating back 47 million years to the Middle Eocene epoch, Vasuki could grow up to 15 meters (49 feet) long and weigh around 1 tonne. Its enormous size and Indian origin made the name 'Vasuki'—Lord Shiva's celestial serpent—a culturally meaningful and scientifically significant choice. Titanoboa vs Vasuki: Comparison Both Titanoboa and Vasuki Indicus represent the pinnacle of snake evolution—but how do they compare? Feature Titanoboa cerrejonensis Vasuki Indicus Discovered In Cerrejón coal mines, Colombia Panadhro Lignite Mine, Gujarat, India Lived During Paleocene Epoch (58–60 million years ago) Middle Eocene Epoch (47 million years ago) Length 12.8–15.2 meters (42–50 feet) 11–15.2 meters (36–49 feet) Weight 1.1–1.25 tonnes Approx. 1 tonne Family Boidae (like boas and anacondas) Madtsoiidae (extinct snake family) Habitat Tropical rainforests (semi-aquatic) Coastal swamps (terrestrial) Predation Style Apex predator; primarily fish-eating Ambush predator; likely ate crocodilians Vasuki Indicus vs Titanoboa : Which was the largest snake to ever live Discovery sites: Where the serpents were found Titanoboa cerrejonensis was discovered in the Cerrejón coal mines in La Guajira, Colombia. This site is one of the world's largest open-pit coal mines and a rich fossil bed from the Paleocene epoch. The tropical climate preserved ancient flora and fauna, offering a rare glimpse into a post-dinosaur ecosystem. Vasuki Indicus, on the other hand, was found in the Panadhro Lignite Mine in the Kutch district of Gujarat, India. This lignite mine has yielded several important vertebrate fossils, and in 2005, paleontologists unearthed massive vertebrae there—initially mistaken for a crocodile but later confirmed to be from a new species of giant snake. Source: WIRED Geological era: When did they live Titanoboa lived during the Paleocene epoch, around 58 to 60 million years ago, a time right after the extinction of the dinosaurs. This era saw the gradual emergence of mammals and the resurgence of reptiles in a world that was still recovering from a global catastrophe. Vasuki Indicus lived during the Middle Eocene epoch, about 47 million years ago, a period marked by warm global temperatures, rising sea levels, and widespread tropical forests—an ideal environment for large reptiles to thrive. Size comparison Titanoboa measured approximately 12.8 to 15.2 meters (42 to 50 feet) in length and weighed between 1.1 to 1.25 tonnes (2,425 to 2,755 pounds). It remains the heaviest snake ever recorded, with vertebrae thicker than any modern-day serpent. Its body was so massive that it likely had to stay in or near water to support its weight. Vasuki Indicus is estimated to have been 11 to 15.2 meters (36 to 49 feet) long and weighed around 1 tonne (2,200 pounds). While slightly lighter than Titanoboa, it could match or even exceed Titanoboa in length, making it a serious contender for the title of longest snake in Earth's history. Source: Reuters Evolutionary roots Titanoboa belonged to the Boidae family, which includes modern boas and anacondas. This lineage is known for non-venomous, constricting snakes that kill prey by suffocation. Titanoboa is considered a distant cousin of the green anaconda, though vastly larger. Vasuki Indicus was part of the now-extinct Madtsoiidae family, a group of large, terrestrial snakes that once lived across Gondwana (ancient Southern Hemisphere continents like India, Africa, and South America). This family had a distinct evolutionary path, and Vasuki's discovery added valuable insight into its diversity and distribution. Habitat Titanoboa thrived in humid, tropical rainforests and was likely semi-aquatic, similar to modern anacondas. The fossil-rich Cerrejón region suggests it lived in swampy lowlands, using water for both camouflage and support. Vasuki Indicus is believed to have lived in coastal swamps or floodplains, possibly in a more terrestrial setting. The fossil site in Gujarat hints at a warm, marshy environment where this snake likely hunted along riverbanks and swampy terrain. Feeding and hunting strategy Titanoboa was an apex predator in its ecosystem, primarily feeding on large fish, including prehistoric relatives of modern lungfish and other aquatic vertebrates. Despite lacking venom, its crushing strength—estimated at 400 psi—was enough to subdue large prey. Vasuki Indicus likely hunted as an ambush predator, targeting terrestrial prey such as crocodilians or early mammals. Its build and evolutionary lineage suggest it relied on stealth and sudden bursts of power, like modern-day pythons or rock pythons. Vasuki Indicus or Titanoboa: Who was truly the largest While Vasuki Indicus may edge out Titanoboa in maximum estimated length, the latter is still considered more massive in terms of weight and girth. Titanoboa's vertebrae were thicker and more robust, suggesting it had a bulkier body structure, suited for overpowering large aquatic prey. That said, Vasuki Indicus stands as a close rival, and perhaps even the longest snake ever documented, challenging long-held beliefs and offering new insights into the evolution of reptiles in ancient India. Also Read | Camel tears might hold the secret to fighting 26 snake venoms; here's what researchers found
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
What's bigger than an anaconda? This 58-million-year-old fossil of prehistoric snake in Colombia may have the answer
Source: WIRED In a groundbreaking paleontological discovery, scientists have uncovered fossil remains of a prehistoric snake that challenges everything we know about reptilian evolution. Called Titanoboa cerrejonensis , this extinct serpent lived over 58 million years ago and is now recognised as the largest and heaviest snake ever found. Stretching up to 14 meters in length and weighing over a tonne, Titanoboa dwarfs today's anaconda and python species. Its discovery in Colombia's Cerrejón coal mine offers rare insight into ancient ecosystems, tropical climate conditions, and the scale of prehistoric megafauna. This astonishing find reshapes our understanding of prehistoric snakes and their dominance after the dinosaurs. World's biggest snake fossil found: Meet Titanoboa, the 58-million-year-old giant The Titanoboa cerrejonensis is a now-extinct species of snake that thrived during the Paleocene Epoch, a critical period in Earth's history that followed the extinction of the dinosaurs. What sets Titanoboa apart is not only its enormous size but also the insights it offers into the evolution of reptiles, prehistoric ecosystems, and ancient climates. According to BBC reports, this species was virtually unknown to science until 2009, when fossils were unearthed at the Cerrejón coal mine in northern Colombia . The discovery has since transformed our understanding of reptilian evolution and the tropical environments that emerged in the wake of mass extinction. Source: BBC Where and when did Titanoboa live Titanoboa roamed Earth between 58 and 60 million years ago, during a time of ecological recovery after the dinosaurs vanished. Its remains were found in what was once a humid, swampy rainforest—now the Cerrejón mine. This site has become a treasure trove for paleontologists studying the Paleocene, revealing a rich diversity of early tropical life. The ancient rainforest, teeming with warmth and moisture, offered the perfect environment for cold-blooded animals like Titanoboa to grow to such extraordinary sizes. Titanoboa: Size and weight According to scientific estimates, Titanoboa cerrejonensis reached lengths of up to 13–14 meters (42–46 feet)—about the size of a modern school bus—and weighed over one metric ton. In comparison, the green anaconda, often considered the largest living snake today, rarely exceeds 6 meters in length and 250 kg in weight. This makes Titanoboa not only the largest snake in the world but also a true apex predator of its time. Source: Smithsonian Magazine Titanoboa hunting strategy: A predator without venom Unlike venomous snakes, Titanoboa killed its prey using constriction. It would coil around its target whether a mammal, reptile, or fish and squeeze until the animal suffocated. Once its prey was immobilized, the snake would swallow it whole, starting with the head. This mode of predation is similar to how modern boas and pythons hunt, showing that despite its size, Titanoboa's feeding behaviour followed well-known biological strategies. Titanoboa diet Initially, scientists assumed Titanoboa fed on large land mammals. However, further analysis of its jawbones revealed loose teeth—a feature uncommon in meat-eating snakes but typical of aquatic feeders. This surprising anatomical trait indicated that Titanoboa was a semi-aquatic snake, likely residing in rivers and lagoons, feeding primarily on large fish. This also places it in ecological comparison with today's green anaconda, which exhibits similar behaviour and habitat preference. Climate clues hidden in Titanoboa's biology As a cold-blooded reptile, Titanoboa depended heavily on external heat to regulate its body temperature. Its massive size would have required consistent warmth, suggesting that the climate during the Paleocene was significantly hotter than it is today. Estimates show the average temperature in its habitat was between 86°F and 93°F (30°C–34°C)—a level of heat crucial for sustaining such a giant prehistoric snake. Why the discovery of Titanoboa matters The discovery of Titanoboa cerrejonensis is far more than just an awe-inspiring tale of a giant snake. It provides crucial insights into: The evolution of reptiles after the extinction of dinosaurs The climate conditions that allowed such massive cold-blooded creatures to thrive The biodiversity and structure of early tropical ecosystems Also Read | Scientists discover a 'second Earth' twice the size of our planet near a red dwarf star, 154 light-years away
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Fossils from giant possum-like mammal that lived 60 million years ago found in Texas
Paleontologists have found fossilized remains of a giant possum-like mammal that lived 60 million years ago. The fossils, found at Big Bend National Park in Texas, belong to a group of ancient near-marsupials from the Paleocene period that scientists call Swaindelphys, according to a paper published last week in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. MORE: Fossils found in North America reveal new species of 'very odd' sea monster: Scientists The prehistoric species, called Swaindelphys solastella, was "gigantic" compared to other Swaindelphys at the time but are actually about the size of a modern hedgehog, according to the researchers. "I compared them to a lot of other marsupials from around the same time period to see what they're most closely related to," said Kristen Miller, a doctoral student at The University of Kansas' Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum and lead author of the paper, said in a statement. At first, the paleontologists thought the fossils belonged to a group of metatherians -- or marsupial-like mammals -- from the Cretaceous period that survived the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction, the mass extinction event believed to have wiped dinosaurs from the planet 66 million years ago. But additional analysis revealed that the specimens belonged to a "surprisingly large" new species of Swaindelphys. "Not only are they the largest metatherians from this time period, but they're also the youngest and located at the most southern latitude," Miller said. MORE: What paleontologists learned from fossils of a 3-eyed predator that lived 500 million years ago The new fossil is the largest marsupial -- in terms of body and size -- found so far in North America from the Paleocene period, Chris Beard, senior curator with KU's Biodiversity Institute, said in a statement. "Since everything is bigger in Texas, this is perhaps not surprising," Beard said. "I call them 'primatomorphans,'" Beard said. "They're not, technically speaking, primates, but they're very close to the ancestry of living and fossil primates. These marsupials are probably ecological analogues of early primates." The researchers' work is aimed at uncovering some of the smaller and harder-to-find fossil mammals that lived at Big Bend at the time, Beard said. MORE: Scientists discover 'legless, headless wonder' that predated the dinosaurs The paleontologists are also interested in the differences in the kinds of fossils found in more northern regions, such as Wyoming and Alberta, Canada. "North of that ancient divide, we see the classic Bighorn Basin taxa in their expected time periods," Miller said said. "But south of that, in river drainages that originate in the central Rockies and areas farther to the south, things start to go a little wacky." More research into Swaindelphys solastella, as well as new fieldwork in Big Bend, is planned.
24-06-2025
- Science
Fossils from giant possum-like mammal that lived 60 million years ago found in Texas
Paleontologists have found fossilized remains of a giant possum-like mammal that lived 60 million years ago. The fossils, found at Big Bend National Park in Texas, belong to a group of ancient near-marsupials from the Paleocene period that scientists call Swaindelphys, according to a paper published last week in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. The prehistoric species, called Swaindelphys solastella, was "gigantic" compared to other Swaindelphys at the time but are actually about the size of a modern hedgehog, according to the researchers. "I compared them to a lot of other marsupials from around the same time period to see what they're most closely related to," said Kristen Miller, a doctoral student at The University of Kansas' Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum and lead author of the paper, said in a statement. At first, the paleontologists thought the fossils belonged to a group of metatherians -- or marsupial-like mammals -- from the Cretaceous period that survived the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction, the mass extinction event believed to have wiped dinosaurs from the planet 66 million years ago. But additional analysis revealed that the specimens belonged to a "surprisingly large" new species of Swaindelphys. "Not only are they the largest metatherians from this time period, but they're also the youngest and located at the most southern latitude," Miller said. The new fossil is the largest marsupial -- in terms of body and size -- found so far in North America from the Paleocene period, Chris Beard, senior curator with KU's Biodiversity Institute, said in a statement. "Since everything is bigger in Texas, this is perhaps not surprising," Beard said. "I call them 'primatomorphans,'" Beard said. "They're not, technically speaking, primates, but they're very close to the ancestry of living and fossil primates. These marsupials are probably ecological analogues of early primates." The researchers' work is aimed at uncovering some of the smaller and harder-to-find fossil mammals that lived at Big Bend at the time, Beard said. The paleontologists are also interested in the differences in the kinds of fossils found in more northern regions, such as Wyoming and Alberta, Canada. "North of that ancient divide, we see the classic Bighorn Basin taxa in their expected time periods," Miller said said. "But south of that, in river drainages that originate in the central Rockies and areas farther to the south, things start to go a little wacky." More research into Swaindelphys solastella, as well as new fieldwork in Big Bend, is planned.
