In 2023, researchers from theInstituto Geológica, Minero y Metalurgico (Geological, Mining and Metallurgical Institute) of Peru and School The Union discovered a well-preserved crocodile fossil believed to be approximately 12 million years old. This Wednesday, November 26, 2024, the fossil was revealed to the public.
A young specimen that has not reached its adult size
Although it was already a large animal for its age, the prehistoric crocodile was only a juvenile. This is what paleontologist Mario Gamarra told AFP. But that's not the most impressive fact about him.
Indeed, according to the scientist, “This is the first time that we have found a juvenile of this species, meaning that it died before reaching its maximum size.” However, the specimen of saltwater crocodile which mainly fed on fish still measured three meters long.
A beautiful beast that had not finished growing.
The crocodile was discovered in a desert rich in fossils
Indeed, as reported ScienceAlert Based on the AFP report, the fossil of the young crocodilian was discovered in the Ocucaje desert. This gigantic expanse full of traces of species from the past is located 350 kilometers south of Lima.
As the American media reminds us, this area located in South America is very rich in fossils and in particular species from the Miocene period which extended between 23 million and 5 million years ago.
Thus, several prehistoric and particularly marine species have already been found there, which therefore testify that this desert was once under water. Thus, in addition to the young crocodile discovered in 2023, dolphins, sharks were found there, but also older species such as the fossil of a whale discovered in 2019 dated 42 million years old and which had the particularity to have four legs.
Who is the current relative of this prehistoric reptile?
Prehistoric species, although many of them have become extinct, still have descendants today who can still be observed. Perhaps, thanks to the description of the crocodile discovered in Peru, you can get an idea of who its closest relative is now.
It therefore measured three meters and according to the description of Mario Gamarra given to AFP, these animals “had elongated snouts and their diet was entirely piscivorous.”
Doesn’t that mean anything to you? And if we tell you: Gavial of the Ganges, the only representative of its kind Gavialis. A fact confirmed by the paleontologist who therefore explained that “the closest relative of this crocodile would be the Indian gharial”. This animal today, in critical danger of extinction according to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), is endemic to the Indo-Pakistani region and can be observed on very rare occasions in Nepal.
His descendant, who almost disappeared, lives more than an ocean away from where his ancestor was found.
Source : ScienceAlert
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