Heavy rains in Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul have abruptly revealed a near-complete skeleton of a carnivorous dinosaur from the Triassic period, estimated to be around 233 million years old. The remarkable fossil, belonging to the early Herrerasauridae family, was discovered next to a reservoir by a team led by Rodrigo Temp Müller of the Federal University of Santa Maria.

Measuring approximately 2.5 m in length, this bipedal apex predator represents one of the earliest known dinosaurs. The find is considered “one of the world’s oldest dinosaur fossils” offering a rare glimpse into dinosaur origins. Some experts note that even older, disputed specimens date back around 240 million years.

Excavation was urgent: torrential rains had already damaged the leg and pelvis bones, prompting rapid rescue efforts and transfer to a lab for preservation. The region, famed for Triassic fossils, now faces a race against climate threats to salvage and study this pivotal specimen.

Scientists aim to publish peer-reviewed analysis that could transform understanding of early dinosaur evolution. Determining whether this fossil represents a new species could rewrite chapters of prehistoric life on Pangaea, the ancient supercontinent.