A groundbreaking discovery in Syria has revealed a 50-million-year-old sea turtle fossil, capturing the attention of paleontologists worldwide. The newly identified species, Syriemys lelunensis, was first found near Afrin in 2010 during a quarry explosion but remained unstudied for over a decade. This fossil is the oldest known member of the extinct Stereogenyini lineage, pushing back the evolutionary timeline of marine-adapted side-necked turtles by more than 10 million years.
The fossil includes a well-preserved shell, pelvis, and hind limbs, with the carapace measuring 53 centimeters long and 44 centimeters wide. Microfossil analysis of the surrounding rock, including tiny foraminifera, confirmed its age. Unlike modern freshwater side-necked turtles, this extinct lineage lived in saltwater habitats. Its discovery in Syria also expands the known range of Stereogenyini turtles, suggesting the Mediterranean region as a possible origin for this ancient marine species.
Experts say the find is a significant milestone for Syrian paleontology, highlighting the country’s untapped potential for scientific research despite ongoing challenges. The international team behind the discovery plans to continue its work under the “Recovering Lost Time in Syria” project, aiming to uncover more fossils and insights into the region’s prehistoric marine life.
