New extinct crocodile species discovered in Giza, Egypt

Researchers have identified a new species of extinct crocodile, named Herugavialis cairensis, discovered in the Mokattam Formation in Egypt. The fossils, which date back approximately 45 million years, were previously misidentified for nearly a century as the species Tomistoma schlegelii, commonly known as the false gharial.

Using advanced CT scanning technology, the team identified distinct anatomical features that differentiate the new species from the false gharial, such as an elevated ridge around the eyes. The fossils were recovered from the same limestone formation used to sculpt the Great Sphinx of Giza. Notably, the preserved skull of the specimen was missing the tip of its snout, a physical characteristic that mirrors the damage seen on the Great Sphinx.

Named in honor of the Egyptian god Heru, the species is believed to belong to the gharial group, characterized by long, slender snouts. While modern gharials are limited to freshwater environments in South and Southeast Asia, the fossil record suggests that 45 million years ago, these animals had a near-global distribution and inhabited shallow marine environments.