During an excavation work at Praia da Galé, in the municipality of Grândola, whale fossils dating back around 10 million years were discovered, after February storms exposed the remains on the Alentejo coast. According to the Lusa news agency, these are two partial skeletons that are among the most complete Miocene fossils found in Portugal and Europe.
Grândola City Council explained that the discovery, north of the beach, required “a complex operation” of removal and conservation, conducted by Portuguese and international paleontologists. According to the same source, the teams involved were part of the Lourinhã Museum, the Dom Luiz Institute of the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon and the National Museum of Natural History and Science.
Coordinated scientific operation
The excavation work was intensive due to the fragility of the fossil remains. According to the same source, the team had to carefully evaluate each element to ensure the preservation of bones such as vertebrae, ribs and parts of the skull.
The publication adds that the intervention also involved municipal technicians and an archaeologist, ensuring logistical and scientific support on site. This collaboration was decisive for the success of the operation and for the safe removal of the fossils from the beach.
Details of the skeletons found
The researchers detailed the elements preserved in each skeleton. The news agency writes that one of the fossils includes a skull, two almost complete jaws, several vertebrae and ribs.
The second specimen preserves “an almost complete skull, part of the jaws, several vertebrae and ribs and possible bones of the forelimbs and shoulder girdle”, says the same source. These elements allow us to better understand the anatomy and size of these ancient cetaceans.
Evolutionary context and group of whales
It is important to highlight that the fossils belong to the Mysticeti group, which includes current baleen whales. Paleontologists explain that this group of small to medium-sized whales was relatively abundant on the Portuguese coast around 10 million years ago.
According to the same source, this group currently includes species such as the gray whale and the blue whale, the largest animal on the planet. The study of these fossils could provide relevant data on the evolution, ecology and way of life of these ancient animals.
Paleontological richness of the region
The coast of Grândola is located in an area known as Miocene marine fossils. The agency writes that the Alvalade Basin presents a great diversity of remains of whales, dolphins, turtles, sharks, bony fish and possible birds.
Fossils of invertebrates, such as bivalves, were also identified in a deposit measuring more than 100 meters. It is one of the most relevant fossil associations in the region, contributing to the understanding of the marine ecosystem of the time.
Preparation and study of fossils
The skeletons are currently in the custody of the Municipality of Grândola and will be transported in the coming weeks to the Lourinhã Museum laboratory. According to , preparation, conservation and detailed study work will be carried out there.
The municipality, the Lourinhã Museum and the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, through the Dom Luiz Institute, are now preparing a cooperation protocol for research, dissemination and future sharing of this find with the community and society in general.
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