New Species Of Hippo Found By Abu Dhabi Fossil Experts

Scientific studies of fossil bones of an extinct relative of the hippopotamus from the Al Dhafra Region of Abu Dhabi have identified a previously-unknown species, according to a paper recently published in the specialist journal, ‘Palaeo Vertebrata’.
The species has been named Archaeopotamus qeshta, the first word meaning ‘ancient river’ and the second being taken from the Egyptian dialect word for hippopotamus, meaning ‘cream’.
Studies of new fossil specimens discovered since 2003 have enabled scientists to re-evaluate earlier material and to determine that all of the material from the UAE belongs to this newly-described species.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, said, “We have initiated five exploration projects for major archaeological and historical sites under TCA Abu Dhabi’s mandate to preserve and safeguard Abu Dhabi’s heritage and culture. Scientific research continues to reveal that the Al Dhafra region was once an area quite different from today’s arid environment. These significant finds indicate that a very extensive river system flowed throughout the area with many kinds of animals sustained by this environment.”
Commenting on the new discovery, Dr. Mark Beech, one of the authors of the paper and Head of Coastal Archaeology and Palaeontology in the Historic Environment Department of Abu Dhabi-read more