Fossil remains of a possibly young crocodile that lived more than 10 million years ago were found on the central coast of Peru, a region that was part of an ancient ocean and where prehistoric remains are frequently discovered.
Paleontologist Mario Gamarra, who works for the state Geological, Mining and Metallurgical Institute, stated on Thursday that the “gharial-type” fossil was found almost complete. and in good condition in the Ica region, a hot desert area located about 350 kilometers south of Lima.
“This is the possible Piscogavialis, a juvenile crocodile that lived on the Peruvian coasts approximately 10 to 12 million years ago.“As you can see, the skeleton is almost articulated and practically complete,” he said.
“We are only missing part of the left arm and part of the tail”he said, showing the remains on a table.
In Ica, an area that now houses grape-growing areas, remains of three mastodons that belonged to the Pleistocene have previously been found and to the fossil skull of a “sea monster” that lived 36 million years ago.
“It is possibly a juvenile crocodile, because while adults reach between 8 and 9 meters, this one has only reached 3 or 4 meters.“Gamarra said.
The expert said that this type of animal no longer exists on the American continent and “The only place in the world where there are still gharials is in Asia, especially in India.”
In other regions off the coast of Peru remains have also been found. In April, a team of paleontologists presented the fossilized skull of the largest river dolphin known so far, which inhabited the Amazon about 16 million years ago.
