A Groundbreaking Discovery in Utah

A stunning new species of ancient lizard, named **Bolg amondol**, has just been unearthed in Utah, captivating the scientific community and fans of fantasy alike. This extraordinary lizard roamed the Earth approximately **75 million years ago**, and its fossil was hidden away in a museum collection, only to be rediscovered recently at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

From Tolkien's Imagination to Reality

Inspired by the goblin prince from J.R.R. Tolkien’s *The Hobbit*, the name "Bolg" pays homage to literary brilliance while marking a significant addition to our understanding of the prehistoric era. The species name "amondol," derived from Tolkien's Elvish language, aptly highlights the unique **mound-headed** structure of the lizard’s skull.

Formidable Predator in a Lost World

With a size comparable to that of a raccoon and adorned with armor-like bony plates, Bolg was a predator of notable prowess among its contemporaries, known as **monstersaurs**. This group includes the venomous Gila monster, hinting at Bolg's potential diet that may have included dinosaur eggs and small prey.

Resurrecting Hidden Treasures

The fossil, originally excavated in **2005**, remained unnoticed until Dr. Hank Woolley from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County took a closer look at a jar stashed away in a dusty drawer. What was presumed to be an unremarkable specimen turned out to hold monumental significance, prompting further investigation into its evolutionary lineage.

Linking Continents

Intriguingly, Bolg's closest relative has been identified in Asia's Gobi Desert, suggesting ancient **migration routes** that enabled reptiles to traverse vast distances during the **Late Cretaceous** period. This finding aligns with theories of intercontinental land bridges, emphasizing the dynamic ecological landscape of the time.

Empowering Early-Career Scientists

The groundbreaking research, published in *Royal Society Open Science*, underscores the immense potential of early-career scientists. With the support of the **National Science Foundation**, respect for older specimens in museums can yield remarkable discoveries, contributing greatly to our understanding of ancient life.

Bolg: A New Chapter in Prehistoric Legacy

The discovery of Bolg enriches the already notable fossil record of the **Kaiparowits Formation**, further illustrating the diversity of predatory reptiles that once inhabited prehistoric North America. As the mystery of our planet’s ancient inhabitants unfolds, each fossil uncovered adds a new layer to the intricate tale of Earth’s history.