Moroccan researchers recently revealed that a fossil site in the Miapladen area near the city of Midelt was subjected to theft targeting a rare rock slab containing footprints of the pterosaur (flying reptiles from the age of dinosaurs). This incident was described by them as a “non-recoverable” scientific loss.<\/p>\n
According to the Spanish news agency “Efe,” the stolen rock slab was approximately 3.15 meters long and 1.5 meters wide, containing a rare series of footprints belonging to these extinct beings, making it one of the most important fossil discoveries on the African continent.<\/p>\n
The agency clarified that the theft was not entirely unexpected, as part of the slab had previously been observed missing a year ago, before it was discovered last May that the remaining part had been cut using a rock saw, and then completely disappeared.<\/p>\n
Researchers participating in a recent international scientific study pointed out that publishing the precise coordinates of the site within a research paper indirectly contributed to its exposure, which may have facilitated access for unidentified individuals to this rare scientific treasure and targeted it.<\/p>\n
Scientists involved in the research, including researchers from Morocco and Spain, affirmed that the loss of this site represents a significant blow to geological heritage, especially since it is among the few sites in Africa that clearly document pterosaur footprints, with complete imprints of the limbs.<\/p>\n
Although some models of the site were previously preserved using 3D imaging techniques, researchers emphasized that these copies cannot compensate for the scientific and original value of the rock slab.<\/p>\n
So far, according to what was reported by the “Efe” agency in its coverage of the incident, no official statement has been issued by the Moroccan authorities clarifying the circumstances of the incident or announcing the opening of any investigation or legal procedures related to the theft of the fossil slab.<\/p>\n
In contrast, the scientific sources referenced in the report indicated that Moroccan researchers had previously warned about the deterioration of the site and the gradual disappearance of parts of it about a year ago, and they had called for enhanced protection, which did not prevent the theft from occurring.<\/p>\n