Colombia’s 13-Million-Year-Old Turtle Fossil Named After Shakira
An unprecedented discovery in Colombian paleontology has just been revealed in the Tatacoa desert, in the department of Huila, south of the country. Scientists from the Universidad del Rosario and the La Tatacoa Natural History Museum announced the discovery of Shakiremys colombiana, a turtle fossil approximately 13 million years old that belongs to a new […]
Scientists have unearthed a 13-million-year-old turtle fossil in Colombia’s Tatacoa Desert, naming it Shakiremys colombiana in honor of singer Shakira. The unique specimen, belonging to a previously unknown genus, was discovered in the municipality of Villavieja within an area known for its rich paleontological history. The fossil, featuring a well-preserved shell and skull fragments, was meticulously excavated by a team from the Universidad del Rosario and the La Tatacoa Natural History Museum, with the goal of preserving the fragile remains.
Analysis revealed that Shakiremys colombiana exhibited adaptations for diverse aquatic habitats and an omnivorous diet, indicating an evolutionary mosaic that sheds light on South American turtle diversification during the Miocene. The discovery, published in the journal Papers in Palaeontology, underscores the scientific and cultural significance of the Tatacoa Desert, which has also produced remains of prehistoric crocodiles and sloths, offering valuable insights into the region's ancient ecosystems.
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