Scientists have recently discovered Australia’s oldest known crocodile eggshells in Queensland. These eggshells, dating back 55 million years, likely belonged to a unique group of crocodiles dubbed “drop crocs.” These intriguing creatures may have climbed trees to hunt animals below, much like leopards do today.
The research was published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. Suprisingly, the eggs were found in a sheep farmer’s backyard, a place that has become one of Australia’s key fossil sites over the years.
Prof. Michael Archer, a palaeontologist at the University of New South Wales, explained that these ancient mekosuchine crocodiles were about five meters long and thrived in a warm climate when Australia was still part of Antarctica and South America. “Drop crocs” are an unusual idea, but they might have hunted from trees, waiting for their next meal to wander by.
Though the eggshells were discovered decades ago, advanced research techniques from scientists in Spain helped analyze them recently. Prof. Archer pointed out that these crocodiles were just one part of a vibrant ecosystem that existed millions of years ago.
In addition to crocodiles, this region once teemed with early songbirds, frogs, snakes, and other small mammals, showing the rich biodiversity of ancient Australia. Dr. Michael Stein, another co-author of the study, remarked that the site has revealed astonishing discoveries since excavations began in the early 1980s.
Interestingly, Prof. Archer recalls asking a local farmer for permission to dig in 1983. After explaining the potential treasures beneath their paddock, the farmer agreed, leading to many discoveries that have since fascinated scientists.
This latest finding adds to prior research on mekosuchines, which encompass not only terrestrial hunters but also partially tree-dwelling species. It shows how little we know about ancient life and encourages us to dig deeper into our past.
Overall, these discoveries highlight the rich prehistoric landscape of Australia and remind us how vastly different our world once was, providing a glimpse into an era of extraordinary creatures.
