Discovery Unveils 150-Million-Year-Old Crocodile Species in Portugal’s Lourinhã district

In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have identified the remains of a 150-million-year-old crocodile species in the coastal town of Lourinhã, located in the district of Lisbon on the Iberian Peninsula.

The fossilized skull, remarkably well-preserved for its age, was found on Paimogo beach in December 2021 by German amateur palaeontologist Holger Lüdtk.

The findings, detailed in a recently published study in the journal Palaeontologia Electronica, were spearheaded by an international team of palaeontologists associated with Dino Parque Lourinhã, the Lourinhã Museum, the Universidade Nova de Lisboa, and the University of Zaragoza.

Led by palaeontologist and scientific director of Dino Parque da Lourinhã, Simão Mateus, the team revealed that the fossil belonged to a previously unknown species and genus of crocodylomorph, the ancient ancestors of modern crocod.

Mateus emphasized the rarity of the discovery’s state of preservation, describing it as “the best-preserved skull that is 150 million years old.”

The exceptional condition allowed researchers to conduct a thorough study, concluding that the crocodile, nicknamed “Mr Holger” in honour of its discoverer, represents a new chapter in the evolutionary history of crocodylomorphs.

Measuring an estimated three meters in length, this newly identified species provides valuable insights into the fauna of the Late Jurassic period.

The skull displayed similarities and differences compared to the American fauna of the Upper Jurassic, indicating the impact of the opening of the North Atlantic and the gradual separation of the American and European continents during that era.

Simão Mateus highlighted the global importance of the Upper Jurassic period in Portugal, particularly in the Lourinhã region.

“This fossil confirms the global importance of the Upper Jurassic in Portugal, namely Lourinhã,” he stated, emphasizing that this discovery marks the third new species for science in the region within the past six years.

The study contributes to our understanding of prehistoric life and underscores the significance of Portugal’s paleontological heritage.

The international collaboration showcased in the research involved scientists such as Víctor López-Rojas, João Marinheiro, Octávio Mateus, and Eduardo Puértolas-Pascual.

Additionally, the fossil served as the subject of a master’s thesis in scientific illustration for Camilo Pineda from the University of Aveiro.

As this ancient crocodile takes its place in the scientific record, the discovery adds another layer to the rich tapestry of Portugal’s paleontological landscape.

With each new find, researchers continue to piece together the intricate puzzle of Earth’s history, unravelling mysteries from the depths of time.

 

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members