Doha, Qatar: Researchers have identified a new species of ancient marine mammal in Qatar, officially named Salwasiren qatarensis. Published in the esteemed journal "PeerJ," the study highlights a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and Qatar Museums (QM). 

This discovery emphasizes the historical significance of the Arabian Gulf as a habitat for dugongs and their ancestors for over 20 million years. The newly identified species is a smaller, ancient relative of the modern dugong. 

The genus name, "Salwasiren," honors the Bay of Salwa, while "qatarensis" proudly acknowledges Qatar as the site of this monumental finding.