Mansoura University Team Discovers Prehistoric Marine Crocodile “Wadisuchus kassabi”

Egyptian Scientists Discover 80-Million-Year-Old Crocodile Species in Western Desert

Cairo: Mansoura University of Egypt announced that a team at its Center for Vertebrate Paleontology has discovered a new species of ancient crocodile that lived in the Western Desert of Egypt approximately 80 million years ago.

The university explained in a statement that this giant crocodile lived in an area now known as the New Valley Governorate. Scientists have named it “Wadisuchus kassabi.” This discovery marks one of the most important discoveries, shedding light on life in ancient times. It is one of the oldest members of the Dyrosauridae family, a group of marine crocodiles that survived the extinction of the dinosaurs and flourished afterward, making it a rare witness to a pivotal stage in the evolution of ancient reptiles.

The statement added that this species of crocodile ranged in length from 3.5 to 4 meters, with a very long snout and four sharp front teeth. Nostrils located above the snout helped it breathe from the surface of the water, in addition to a deep cavity where the jaws met. It noted that unlike the crocodiles known today, which inhabit rivers and swamps, this ancient species lived on coastal and shallow seas. It was distinguished by its great ability to hunt in open waters, thanks to its long snout and sharp teeth, making it a skilled predator that maintained its presence after the disappearance of the dinosaurs.

It noted that crocodile remains were found in the Kharga and Baris oases in Egypt, including parts of the skulls and snouts of several individuals at different ages. This provided scientists with a unique opportunity to understand the evolution of this species of crocodile.

The research team used 3D CT scanning techniques, which enabled it to reveal fine anatomical details never before seen, providing a clearer picture of the internal structure of these marine creatures that roamed the coasts of ancient Egypt.