Scientists Discover Ancient Crocodile Ancestor Fossil in India’s Rajasthan Desert
Rajasthan: Researchers in India have uncovered the fossilized remains of a rare Jurassic-era crocodile-like species in the western state of Rajasthan.
The fossil, identified as a phytosaur, measures between 1.5 and two meters and is estimated to be over 200 million years old. It was discovered in Megha village, Jaisalmer district, by hydrogeologist Dr. Narayandas Inkhiya and his team during a lake excavation initiated after local residents noticed unusual skeletal formations.
According to geoscientist CP Rajendran, the semi-aquatic phytosaur inhabited both land and river environments and is an evolutionary precursor to modern crocodiles.
The team also recovered what appears to be a fossilized egg, possibly belonging to the same species. Senior paleontologist VS Parihar described the find as a medium-sized phytosaur that likely fed on fish. The discovery site, situated within the dinosaur-rich Lathi formation, is believed to hold further significant fossils.
Dr. Inkhiya, who previously discovered a dinosaur egg in the region in 2023, emphasized the area’s potential for both scientific study and fossil tourism. This finding follows earlier significant paleontological work, including the unearthing of India’s oldest known herbivorous dinosaur by the Geological Survey of India in 2018.
