Ancient Land-Hunting Crocodile Fossil Discovered Patagonia

Scientists have discovered a new species and genus of prehistoric crocodile-relative called Kostensuchus atrox in Patagonia, Argentina, dating back approximately 70 million years to the late Cretaceous period. This apex predator measured around 3.5 meters (11.5 feet) long, weighed about 250 kilograms (550 pounds), and was a hypercarnivore with powerful jaws and large serrated teeth designed for slicing flesh, enabling it to hunt medium-sized dinosaurs on land. The remarkably complete fossil, including an articulated skeleton with skull and jaws, offers unprecedented insight into peirosaurids—a group of extinct crocodyliforms related to modern crocodiles that lived exclusively in the Cretaceous of South America, Africa, and Madagascar. Kostensuchus atrox’s robust anatomy and terrestrial adaptations distinguish it from modern crocodiles, which typically ambush prey in water, highlighting its role as a dominant land predator in a rich ecosystem alongside dinosaurs, turtles, early birds, and mammals. The discovery, published in PLOS One, underscores the diversity of terrestrial crocodyliforms in ancient Patagonia and provides critical information about Cretaceous ecosystems and predator-prey dynamics. Its name reflects local and mythological heritage, combining the Patagonian wind 'Kosten' with the Egyptian crocodile god Sobek (Souchos), and the Greek word 'atrox' meaning fierce or harsh.