The unique discovery is made in the desert of Kinguka, in the region of Ika, Peru. Researchers have found the fossils of the young Haviaal, a long -haired fishing crocodile, who lived in the region about 10 million years ago. This discovery was the youngest find of this type found in Peru.
The discovery, represented by a group of scientists from the Geological, Mining and Metallurgical Institute of Peru and Colegio La Unión, includes an almost complete and articulated skeleton of the young Gavial. The fossiliness belongs to a young individual, whose length reached about three meters. For comparison, adults of this species could reach nine meters. "This is the first time that we were able to find such a young person that has not yet reached its maximum size. Unfortunately, the crocodile died before it grew to its full size," - said the co -author of the study Mario Gamarra, paleontologist of vertebrates.
The long -term crocodiles, which belong to the found Gavial, had an elongated, thin muzzle, adapted for fish hunting. Their closest modern relatives are Indian Havials, which also have a long muzzle and are fishermen. The region is known by the wealth of fossils. To date, more than 55 species of marine vertebrates have been found in the desert, including the remains of dwarf whales, dolphins, sharks and other creatures of the myocene (5-23 million years ago).
Among the striking discoveries of 2023 - Peruuetus colossus, a huge monetary whale, which is considered the most difficult animal in the history of Earth. New fossils of the Havialov crocodile is another step towards understanding the rich biodiversity of the region in the past.
Scientists believe that the findings in the desert is far from exhausted. Paleontological excavations continue to bring unexpected discoveries, and new studies can further expand the idea of the ancient world of this part of South America.
