SuperCroc: The Olympic Sprinter of Ancient Crocodiles
Fossil hunters have made an astounding discovery in the Sahara Desert: the remains of ancient crocodiles that once roamed the land and dominated the rivers of northern Africa millions of years ago.
Led by renowned paleontologist Paul Sereno, excavations in the 1990s unearthed fossilized skeletons of primitive crocodiles. Among them was the awe-inspiring giant crocodile, Sarcosuchus imperator, known as SuperCroc. While fragments of this colossal creature had been found in 1966, Sereno's team excavated complete skeletons dating back 110 million years in Niger.
SuperCroc could sprint at speeds of up to 32 kilometers per hour for short distances. This speed is comparable to that of an Olympic-level human sprinter. However, this burst of velocity could only be sustained for a short time. After about 100 meters, SuperCroc's speed would drop to around 16 kilometers per hour.
SuperCroc's impressive running ability was made possible by its unique anatomy. Its neck was short and powerful, allowing for rapid head movements and strong thrusting. Its legs were also robust and equipped with sharp claws, providing traction on the ground during locomotion. Additionally, SuperCroc possessed a long, thick tail, which helped with balance and steering at high speeds.
With its speed and strength, SuperCroc could easily overtake land-based prey. However, SuperCroc remained primarily an aquatic animal. Thus, its running capabilities were not as frequently employed as its swimming abilities.
Beyond SuperCroc: Other Fascinating Ancient Crocodile Discoveries
These discoveries shed light on the rich and fascinating ecosystem of ancient northern Africa, where crocodiles thrived in both aquatic and terrestrial environments with remarkable size and power.
And through multiple expeditions to the Sahara Desert, Sereno has made remarkable discoveries that have unveiled a lost world of ancient crocodiles. These creatures, some resembling modern-day animals, have provided insights into the diverse wildlife that once flourished in northern Africa.
Among Sereno's findings is the DogCroc (Araripesuchus wegeneri), an ancient crocodile that bore a striking resemblance to a canine both in appearance and behavior. With its long legs and keen sense of smell, this crocodile navigated its surroundings like a modern-day dog.
DogCroc: The Canine Crocodile
Araripesuchus wegeneri was relatively small compared to moder