# Dicynodont fossil discovery in Tanzania

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/dicynodont-fossil-discovery-in-tanzania
> Updated: 2026-09-24T08:14:00.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 3.

Paleontologists have identified a new species of prehistoric dicynodont, named Dinodontosaurus isiyavamanda, in the Manda Beds of Tanzania. This plant-eating, tusked synapsid lived approximately 240 million years ago during the Triassic period.

The discovery is notable as it represents the first confirmed record of the Dinodontosaurus genus outside of South America. By establishing a link between the Tanzanian and South American fossil-bearing rocks, researchers have determined that the Tanzanian deposits are likely younger than previously estimated. This revised dating has significant implications for the understanding of early dinosaur evolution and may impact the classification of controversial specimens in the same geological units previously proposed as some of the earliest known dinosaurs.

An international research team led by Hady George from the University of Bristol recently described the species in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. The fossils, which include parts of the skull and lower jaw, were originally discovered during an expedition in 1963 but have only recently undergone comprehensive study. The animal is estimated to have been over two meters long and weighed roughly 200 kilograms. Researchers noted that the site may contain remains from multiple individuals or closely related species.

## Claims

- Researchers have described a new dinosaur species named Dinodontosaurus isiyavamanda. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The species lived approximately 240 million years ago. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The herbivorous dinosaur was over two meters long and weighed about 200 kilograms. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Dinodontosaurus species were previously only known from South America. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The fossils were discovered in the Manda Beds in southern Tanzania. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The fossils were originally discovered during an expedition in 1963. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-24: Tanzania dinosaur discovery: New species Dinodontosaurus isiyavamanda described

Researchers have identified a new dinosaur species, Dinodontosaurus isiyavamanda, from fossils found in Tanzania's Manda Beds, dating back approximately 240 million years.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tanzania-dinosaur-discovery-new-species-dinodontosaurus-isiyavamanda-described

### 2026-09-18: Tanzanian fossil discovery may reshape early dinosaur timeline

The discovery of a 240-million-year-old tusked herbivore in Tanzania links African and South American fossil beds, potentially revising the timeline for early dinosaur evolution.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tanzanian-fossil-discovery-may-reshape-early-dinosaur-timeline

### 2026-09-15: New dicynodont species discovered in Tanzania

Researchers have discovered a new 240-million-year-old dicynodont species in Tanzania, linking African and South American fossil sites and potentially revising the timeline of early dinosaur evolution.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-dicynodont-species-discovered-in-tanzania

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Cite as: Dicynodont fossil discovery in Tanzania. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/dicynodont-fossil-discovery-in-tanzania