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The fossil was discovered in rocks dating back to about 41 million years ago Wadi Al-Rayyan In the province of Fayoum in 2023, it was registered in Guinness Book of Records In October 2024.
Egyptian paleontologist and founder of the center Hisham Salam told Reuters that he was “very happy about this great discovery, which perpetuates the name of Mansoura University in the book of records.”
Salam emphasized that “the discovered whale, 2.5 meters long, is one of the smallest Whales Who lived in this age, when Egypt at that time was submerged under the surface of the ocean.”
He pointed out that the “Tutsi” were among the first sea creatures, i.e. marine mammals, which gradually transitioned from an amphibian life to a completely aquatic life.
He added that the discovery highlights the creature’s incredible anatomical features, showing its complete transition to aquatic life, a turning point in the history of ancient cetaceans.
Historical lessons
Salam added that discoveries such as “Tutsite” play an important role in understanding the past and predicting the future, especially in light of… Climate change which the world is currently witnessing.
He said: “We read the past through the eyes of the present to find out what may happen in the future. Egypt was the bottom of the ocean due to ancient global warming, and now we are witnessing rapid climate change that may affect the coasts of continents including Egypt.”
The discovery of “Tocita” represents a new milestone in the history of vertebrate fossils and reflects leadership Egypt In the field of paleontology.
The discovery also opens new doors to understanding environmental evolution and its history in the Mediterranean region and demonstrates Egypt’s ability to contribute to global scientific research.
