A team of scientists from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County just made an exciting discovery: a unique bipedal, toothless relative of crocodiles from the Triassic Period. They named it Labrujasuchus expectatus, or “witch croc,” after Ghost Ranch in New Mexico where its remains were found.
Recently published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, this newly identified species resembles the bipedal dinosaurs known as ornithomimosaurs. Labrujasuchus walked on two legs and had a beak, despite being much older than dinosaurs. This shows just how diverse prehistoric life was, especially during the Triassic.
Interestingly, Labrujasuchus is a part of a group known as shuvosaurs, which were beaked and also walked on two legs. These creatures roamed the Southern US between 235 and 201 million years ago. Alan Turner, the lead author, commented on their evolution, saying, “Bipedalism is a unique path for crocodile relatives, but it worked well for these animals.”
Only the fifth species of shuvosaur found, Labrujasuchus helps fill a gap between two previously discovered species, highlighting the ongoing discoveries in paleontology. Co-author Nate Smith explained that finding one shuvosaur from earlier in the Triassic and another from later was a sign that more awaited discovery.
This discovery highlights the richness of Ghost Ranch, a site that’s captivated paleontologists since the late 19th century. The area, spanning 21,000 acres, also drew attention from filmmakers, featuring in acclaimed movies like No Country for Old Men and Oppenheimer.
Paleontology is seeing a revival lately. In 2022, a study reported that fossil discoveries increased by 30% compared to previous years, with sites like Ghost Ranch leading the charge. As environmental changes affect habitats today, understanding these ancient ecosystems might shed light on how current species adapt.
The story of Labrujasuchus expectatus illustrates not just a fascinating evolutionary link, but also a reminder that our understanding of life’s history is still unfolding. New discoveries continue to reshape our view of the past and its connections to the present.
For those interested in the ongoing studies in this field, a detailed overview can be found at the National Park Service.
