A remarkable discovery made in Wyoming is reshaping the understanding of dinosaur history and how scientific research can include Native communities, Torrington Telegram reports.
The ancient fossils, found near Dubois in the lower Popo Agie Formation, have led to the identification of North America’s oldest-known dinosaur. The dinosaur, named Ahvaytum bahndooiveche, lived around 230 million years ago during the late Triassic period. This discovery not only challenges previous theories about reptile evolution but also represents a significant step forward in how scientific naming traditions are being adapted to acknowledge Indigenous communities.
The site, which had long been a subject of interest to geologists, revealed fossils dating back to the late Triassic after a team from the University of Wisconsin Geology Museum began its work in 2013. The dinosaur, estimated to be slightly larger than a chicken, had a long tail, a beaklike mouth, and feathers. It is notable not only for its age but also for the implications it holds regarding the timeline of reptile evolution, especially in the Northern Hemisphere.
According to Dr. David Lovelace, a research scientist involved in the discovery, the age of the fossils was initially uncertain due to the difficulty of dating the Popo Agie Formation. However, after years of stratigraphy and analysis, the team was able to confirm the fossils’ age of 230 million years. This find challenges previous assumptions that reptiles only emerged in the Northern Hemisphere later in history.
The dinosaur’s name, Ahvaytum bahndooiveche, marks a shift in scientific tradition. Traditionally, dinosaurs are named using Latin, often to honor scientists. However, in this case, the team chose to name the dinosaur in the Shoshone language, a reflection of the land where the fossils were discovered. This decision was made in consultation with the Eastern Shoshone tribe, whose ancestral lands include the discovery site.
The naming process was a collaborative effort, with tribal elders like Reba Teran helping the team identify appropriate terms. The name Ahvaytum bahndooiveche translates broadly to “long ago dinosaur.” The project fostered a relationship between scientists and the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes, with members of these communities actively involved in the research and naming process.
The team, led by Lovelace and graduate student Aaron Kufner, worked closely with schools and community leaders, including Amanda LeClair-Diaz, the Indian education coordinator at Fort Washakie School. LeClair-Diaz emphasized that this collaborative approach breaks the traditional cycle where research often benefits only the scientists, and it creates a more reciprocal relationship with Indigenous communities.
Although Ahvaytum bahndooiveche was small—likely only the size of a chicken—the team believes it is related to the larger group of herbivorous dinosaurs known as sauropods. The landscape in which it lived was probably similar to modern coastal Texas, with fluctuating wet and dry conditions. Though its skull material hasn’t been found, the dinosaur was likely omnivorous, based on similar species.
The discovery site continues to yield other fossils, including amphibians, dinosaur tracks, and additional species, providing valuable insights into the ancient world. For Lovelace, this discovery underscores the immense historical and scientific value of places that may seem unremarkable at first glance.
