Two years back, Damien Boschetto unearthed a 70-million-year-old dinosaur fossil while walking his dog near Montouliers, France, reminiscent of a scene from an adventure movie.
However, the finding remained a closely guarded secret between Boschetto and local archaeologists to prevent potential vandalism.
Fossil Examination Details
Boschetto reported his finding to the nearby city of Cruzy’s Cultural, Archaeological, and Paleontological Association. After more investigation, the specimen was found to be almost all of a 30-foot-long titanosaur, a subspecies of sauropod dinosaurs distinguished by their enormous size and long necks.
While paleontologists regularly uncover fossilized remains of ancient creatures, finding an entirely intact dinosaur skeleton is exceptionally rare. Titanosaurs, which lived between 66 million and 150 million years ago, were among the largest dinosaurs to have roamed the Earth.
Boschetto’s discovery, estimated to be around 70% complete, was initially obscured by a landslide along the edge of a cliff, which exposed various skeletal remains.
Dinosaur Discovery Revealed by Precise Digging
Boschetto and the research team embarked on careful excavations, gradually realizing the interconnectedness of the bones.
To safeguard the site from potential damage by vandals, Boschetto and the researchers opted to keep the discovery confidential for two years. Now, as the examination of the bones nears completion, plans are underway to exhibit the titanosaur fossil at the Cruzy Museum, alongside another titanosaur femur unearthed in 2012.
Boschetto’s passion for paleontology led him to quit his job in the energy sector to pursue a master’s degree in the field.
Francis Fages, the director of the Cruzy Museum, praised his commitment to the research and preservation of historical dinosaur artifacts and stressed the importance of these finds for furthering our understanding of prehistoric creatures and ecosystems.
Damien Boschetto’s chance encounter with a piece of history underscores the enduring allure of paleontology and the invaluable contributions of enthusiasts to the field’s advancement.
