Ancient ‘Sphinx crocodile’ reveals surprising local connection
A newly identified crocodilian lived in Egypt around 45 million years ago - and its closest living relatives include Malaysia’s false gharial.
A previously unknown crocodilian species, named Herugavialis cairensis, has been discovered in Egypt, dating back about 45 million years. This ancient reptile, with its long-snouted appearance, shares a geological connection to the Great Sphinx's carving site. The fossil's resemblance to the Sphinx, with a missing snout tip, inspired its name, combining "Heru" with Egyptian god Horus, possibly an inspiration for the Sphinx.
The species, though not directly related to the Malayan gharial found in Malaysia, falls under the same gavial lineage, characterized by long, slender snouts ideal for catching fish. Malaysia's Malayan gharial, Tomistoma schlegelii, shares similar traits and habitats, including freshwater rivers and peat swamps, coexisting with the newly discovered ancient lineage.
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- Ancient ‘Sphinx crocodile’ reveals surprising local connection freemalaysiatoday.com
