‘The fact that these beautiful ichthyosaurs are so well preserved in a harsh environment, revealed by a retreating glacier, is unique anyplace else in the world,’ said Dr. Dean Lomax, a paleontologist collaborating on the project.
‘The significant quantity of ichthyosaurs recovered in the area, including entire skeletons of adults, juveniles, and neonates, gives a unique insight into the past,’ says the study.
Ichthyosaurs were dinosaur-era sea reptiles known for their fish-like morphology, similar to today’s dolphins.
Fiona’s bones were discovered during a March and April 2022 trip to the Tyndall Glacier.
The glacier is a 10-hour trek or horseback ride distant, making collection very challenging.
The voyage lasted 31 days and was regarded as a “nearly titanic task” by the researchers.
The ichthyosaur is the sole documented and removed pregnant female of Valanginian-Hauterivian age (between 129 and 139 million years old from the Early Cretaceous).