Ahl al Oughlam, Paleontological excavation site in Casablanca, Morocco.
Ahl al Oughlam is a paleontological excavation site in Casablanca where fossils of mammals, reptiles, and birds are uncovered from multiple sediment layers. The remains come from the Late Pliocene period and reveal the diversity of animal life from that era.
The site was discovered in 1985 and systematic excavation began in 1989, making it the most significant Late Neogene vertebrate site in North Africa. This discovery opened new pathways for understanding the region's fossil record.
The excavation brings together researchers from Morocco and universities worldwide to study how animals and climates changed over time. This collaboration makes it a center for understanding ancient life in North Africa.
The site has specific visiting hours and advance permission from local authorities is required for access. Plan ahead and be prepared for restricted areas, as active excavation work continues at the location.
Researchers have identified 23 different carnivore species at this location, with 13 being previously unknown to science. This remarkable diversity of predators offers a rare window into an ancient ecosystem.
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