Paleontologists have made a unique discovery in Syria: the remarkably well-preserved remains of a sea turtle estimated to be around 50 million years old. The find is being hailed as sensational, as it provides deeper insight into the evolution of marine reptiles and the ecosystems of ancient oceans.
An international team of scientists working near the city of Afrin discovered a previously unknown species of fossilized sea turtle. The species, named Syriemys lelunensis, dates back to the early Eocene period. The uniqueness of the find lies in its exceptional preservation: the fossil includes a complete internal cast of the shell, as well as fragments of the plastron, pelvis, and hind limbs. This is the first fossilized vertebrate species to be officially described on Syrian territory.
The fossil features an oval-shaped shell measuring 53 cm long and 44 cm wide. Researchers were able to reconstruct not only the shape of the shell but also the structure of its limbs, indicating the animal’s high level of adaptation to life in water.
Preliminary analysis shows that Syriemys lelunensis could have reached a significant size, far exceeding modern species. This result was unexpected for the scientists and suggests the existence of diverse ecological niches that these animals occupied in ancient seas.
Researchers note that Syria, whose geological layers have preserved evidence of life from a time when the area was part of ancient oceans, is an important source of paleontological discoveries. This finding could be a key to understanding not only the history of turtles but also the broader picture of marine fauna development over millions of years.
For paleontologists, this turtle is more than just another exhibit; it is a true “window” into a world that existed long before humans appeared and proof of how rich and diverse our planet’s history has been.
