Africa-Press – Lesotho. While the ancient reptiles apparently died out around 15 million years ago, researchers are yet to determine exactly when these creatures died out and what caused it.
A new study led by researchers from the University of Iowa has resulted in the discovery of two new species of crocodiles that existed in Africa between 15 million and 18 million years ago.
According to a press release posted on the university’s website, these so-called giant dwarf crocodiles, which are long extinct, are related to dwarf crocodiles that can be found today in central and west Africa.
However, while the length of the existing dwarf crocs rarely exceeds 5 feet, the ancient reptiles measured as long as 12 feet. The new species were named Kinyang mabokoensis and Kinyang tchernovi.
The creatures, that supposedly existed in the East Africa Rift Valley in the early to middle Miocene period, had “short, deep snouts and large, conical teeth”.
Both species apparently died out about 15 million years ago, though researchers were so far unable to determine exactly when these reptiles went extinct. Brochu also noted that the cause of these crocs dying out also requires “further testing”, as the release points out.
He did speculate, however, that it may had something to do with climate change, with the reduction of rainfall leading to gradual retreat of forests, as researchers believe that Kinyang “probably preferred wooded regions for hunting and nesting.
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