Paleontologists have made an astonishing discovery in the Sahara Desert: the remains of ancient crocodiles that roamed the land and dominated the rivers of North Africa millions of years ago.
Led by renowned paleontologist Paul Sereno, excavations in the 1990s revealed a fossilized skeleton of primitive crocodiles. Among these fossils is the impressive species Sarcosuchus, also known as SuperCroc. While fragments of this giant creature were found in 1966, Sereno’s team excavated several skeletons dating back 110 million years in Niger.
SuperCroc could run at speeds of up to 32km/h over short distances. This speed is comparable to that of an Olympic sprinter. However, this pace can only be maintained for a short time. After about 100 meters, SuperCroc’s speed would drop to around 16 km/h.
SuperCroc’s remarkable speed is due to its unique body structure. Its short and strong neck allows it to move its head quickly and generate powerful thrusts. SuperCroc’s legs are also strong and equipped with sharp claws, helping it grip the ground while running. Additionally, SuperCroc has a long and thick tail, which aids in balance and navigation while moving at high speeds.
Thanks to its speed and strength, SuperCroc could easily catch prey on land. However, SuperCroc primarily lived in water, so its running ability was not utilized as frequently as its swimming skills.
These discoveries illuminate the diverse and fascinating ecosystem of ancient North Africa, where crocodiles thrived underwater and roamed the land with incredible size and strength.
After numerous returns to the Sahara Desert, Sereno made remarkable discoveries that revealed the lost world of ancient crocodiles. These creatures, some resembling modern animals, provided insights into the rich wildlife that once flourished in North Africa.
Among Sereno’s findings is the DogCroc (Araripesuchus wegeneri), an ancient crocodile that astonishingly shares many traits with dogs in both appearance and behavior. With long legs and keen senses, this crocodile navigated its surroundings much like modern dogs.
Araripesuchus wegeneri is relatively small compared to modern crocodiles, with an average body length of about 80 cm, reaching up to 1 meter. Its long, narrow snout, resembling that of a dog, is a distinctive feature that earned it the nickname “Dog Croc.” This elongated snout helped Araripesuchus wegeneri adapt to hunting on land.
With long and strong legs, Araripesuchus wegeneri could move swiftly on land. Its feet, equipped with sharp claws, enabled it to grip the ground when running. This crocodile is believed to be carnivorous, with a diet consisting of small terrestrial animals such as lizards, small mammals, and insects. Its long and narrow snout, along with its agility on land, made it effective at hunting.
Araripesuchus wegeneri, also known as “Dog Croc”, is a prehistoric crocodile belonging to the Notosuchidae family, which lived on Earth during the Cretaceous period (about 130-100 million years ago).
Another fascinating discovery is the DuckCroc (Anatosuchus). Measuring about 3 feet long, this crocodile exhibits physical characteristics reminiscent of a platypus, adapting to a life on land rather than solely in water.
Anatosuchus is relatively small compared to modern crocodiles, with an average body length of about 1 meter. It has a long, narrow skull with a flat and wide snout. This snout is believed to be adapted for a predominantly herbivorous diet.
Anatosuchus is thought to be omnivorous, with a diet that includes both plant matter and animals. Its flat, wide snout, combined with small, sharp teeth, makes it well-suited for eating leaves, fruits, and seeds. However, it could also consume insects, small mammals, and lizards.
Anatosuchus, also known as “Duck Croc”, is a genus of prehistoric crocodiles belonging to the Rauisuchidae family, which lived on Earth during the Triassic period (about 252-201 million years ago).
Additionally, Sereno excavated RatCroc (Araripesuchus rattoides), a tiny crocodile measuring only 2 feet in length. This terrestrial species has specialized incisors adapted for burrowing and catching insects, showcasing the diverse adaptations of ancient crocodiles.
Araripesuchus rattoides has a long and narrow snout, similar to that of a dog. This snout helps it adapt to hunting on land. Its large eyes, positioned high on its head, provide better visibility while moving and hunting. It is believed to be carnivorous, with a diet consisting of small land animals such as lizards, small mammals, and insects. Its long and narrow snout, along with its agility on land, enhances its hunting efficiency.
Araripesuchus rattoides, also known as “Rat Croc”, is a prehistoric crocodile belonging to the Notosuchidae family, which lived on Earth during the Cretaceous period (about 130-100 million years ago).
Many of these ancient crocodile species exhibit behaviors and lifestyles distinct from modern crocodiles. Unlike today’s crocodiles, which employ passive hunting strategies, these ancient crocodiles were agile, more active, and possibly even smarter. Their hunting techniques required higher intelligence levels, indicating a greater cognitive ability than modern crocodiles.
