A rare Jurassic-era fossil has been unearthed in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district. Researchers say the remains belong to a phytosaur — a semi-aquatic reptile that closely resembled a crocodile — according to the BBC.
The fossil, measuring 1.5 to 2 meters, is thought to be more than 200 million years old. It was discovered in Megha village by a team led by Dr. Narayandas Inkia, a senior hydrologist with the state water department.
Dr. Inkia said more fossils may still lie hidden in the area, potentially offering key insights into evolutionary history. He added that the site could also become significant for fossil tourism.
Geoscientist C.P. Rajendran noted that phytosaurs lived both on land and in rivers and are believed to have eventually evolved into modern crocodiles.
The discovery came after villagers spotted skeletal remains while digging a lake. Excavations later revealed the fossil along with a fossilized egg, thought to belong to the same species.
Paleontologist V.S. Parihar, who led the study, told NDTV the specimen likely represents a medium-sized phytosaur that lived near riverbanks and fed mainly on fish.
Rajendran stressed the rarity of the find, pointing out that only a few phytosaur remains have been recovered worldwide.
The Lathi geological formation in Jaisalmer is considered a Jurassic-era fossil hotspot. In 2023, Dr. Inkia discovered a dinosaur egg in the same region, while in 2018, the Geological Survey of India unearthed what is believed to be the world’s oldest herbivorous dinosaur fossil there.
