A reconstruction of Tazoudasaurus naimi (Dinosauria, Sauropoda) from the late Early Jurassic of Morocco

The basal sauropod Tazoudasaurus naimi from the late Early Jurassic of Morocco is represented by at least ten juvenile to adult individuals. Over the past seven years, the Toundoute continental series of Ouarzazate Province, a lateral equivalent of the Azilal and Wazzant Formations of the central High Atlas mountains (Toarcian to Early Aalenian age), produced over 600 skeletal elements pertaining to Tazoudasaurus. About a fifth of the available material has been prepared and studied. Except for the skull, the osteology of Tazoudasaurus is completely known. Superb preservation and the abundance of osteological data from the presently known Tazoudasaurus individuals make it possible to provide a detailed skeletal reconstruction for the first time.