The Sahara Desert holds a breathtaking secret—a hidden trove of dinosaur bones, amounting to 20 tons, lies buried beneath its endless sands. The excavation of this remarkable discovery in Niger, Africa, has faced significant delays due to the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic and escalating Islamist insurgencies.

In the remote south-central Sahara, concealed by blankets of sand, scientists have identified an extensive collection of dinosaur bones dating back as far as 200 million years. The fossils include flying reptiles, an armored dog-like creature, and eleven unidentified species with long necks, all inhabitants of a once-green desert.

Despite being one of Africa’s most significant fossil finds, the excavation has been hampered by the pandemic and security concerns. The fossils are at risk of looting and are vulnerable to the shifting desert dunes.

The urgency to protect human lives has understandably taken precedence over the preservation of these ancient treasures.

Boubé Adamou, an archaeologist involved in the discovery, emphasizes the cultural significance of these fossils as part of Niger’s identity.

However, the priority remains on saving lives amidst the pandemic. Niger, a vast country, two-thirds of which is desert, has long been known for its dinosaur riches, with bones scattered throughout the arid landscape.

Historically, foreign explorers garnered acclaim for their discoveries in Niger, with many fossils ending up in Europe and North America.

Efforts were underway to establish two new museums in Niger—one in the capital, Niamey, and another in the desert region of Agadez—to showcase these findings and house future discoveries. The project, named NigerHeritage, aimed to create lasting infrastructure to preserve the nation’s paleontological wealth.

However, the pandemic disrupted these plans, leaving 20 tons of dinosaur bones stranded in the Sahara. The logistical challenges, combined with the nation’s struggle against the second wave of the coronavirus and the security threats posed by Islamist insurgencies, have created a complex situation.

The story of Niger’s dinosaurs began in the early 1960s when prospectors from France’s atomic energy agency stumbled upon a massive dinosaur graveyard while searching for uranium in the Ténéré wilds.

Since then, foreign explorers have often taken credit for discoveries in Niger, and many fossils have found their way to institutions abroad.

Efforts to revive Niger’s cultural infrastructure and establish a home for its dinosaur finds faced setbacks, but the dream of creating museums to showcase these fossils and preserve Niger’s paleontological heritage remains alive.

The hope is that, once the challenges posed by the pandemic and security concerns are addressed, the world will witness the unveiling of Africa’s hidden wonders—the 20 tons of dinosaur bones that have endured in silence beneath the Sahara’s endless expanse.