Egyptian researchers have announced a major scientific breakthrough with the discovery of a previously unknown species of great ape that lived in the Western Desert around 18 million years ago.
The discovery was made by a team from the Vertebrate Paleontology Center at Mansoura University, known as “Salam Lab”, led by Hesham Sallam.
The findings were published in the prestigious journal Science, in a study led by Egyptian researcher Shorouq Al Ashqar.
The newly identified species has been named “Masrypithecus” in honor of Egypt. Researchers say it represents one of the closest known relatives to the common ancestor of all living great apes.
The study combined phylogenetic analysis of modern species with anatomical comparisons of fossil records from around the world.
This integrated approach allowed scientists to reconstruct a clearer picture of primate evolution over millions of years.
The findings challenge long standing theories that the origins of great apes were limited to East Africa, particularly regions such as Kenya and Uganda.
Instead, the discovery provides strong evidence that their early distribution also extended into North Africa.
Scientists say the breakthrough could reshape current understanding of primate evolution across the African continent and prompt further exploration in previously underexamined regions.
Beyond its scientific significance, the achievement highlights the growing global competitiveness of Egyptian research in specialized fields such as paleontology, reinforcing the country’s position as an emerging hub for fossil studies.
Sallam described the discovery as more than the addition of a new fossil species, calling it a significant step forward in understanding the evolutionary history of primates and a testament to the capabilities of Egyptian scientists on the global stage.
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