Peruvian paleontologists have presented the discovery of a unique saltwater crocodile fossil that lived 12 million years ago. The skeleton of a young gharial was discovered in the Ocucaje Desert, about 350 kilometers south of Peru’s capital Lima. Portal opening announced Phys.org.
Known as a treasure trove of fossils, the Ocucahe Desert has given birth to the remains of ancient whales, dolphins, sharks and other animals that lived during the Miocene period (about 23 million years ago). The new find was an ancient fish-eating crocodile of the genus Piscogavialis. The fossil is almost completely preserved, including the skull, jaws, limbs and ribs.
A modern relative of the ancient crocodile is the Indian gharial (Gavialis gangeticus). He has a similar body structure.
“This is the first time we have discovered such a young representative of this species,” said paleontologist Mario Gamarra, who led the reconstruction of the skeleton.
The find not only reveals the features of the life of ancient crocodiles, but also adds new data on the diversity of fauna of the Miocene period, when these lands were under water.
Paleontologists now plan to continue studying the area to find more data about this crocodile’s life and its possible neighbors in the ancient sea.
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