Jaisalmer (Rajasthan) [India], August 25 (ANI): A fossil believed to be of a 201.4-million-year-old phytosaur, a crocodile-like reptile that coexisted with dinosaurs, has been discovered in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Experts have hailed the discovery as one of the most significant fossil finds in India’s geological history.
Calling it a major paleontological breakthrough, V.S. Parihar, Dean of the Faculty of Earth System Science at Jodhpur’s Jai Narain Vyas University, said on Monday that after England, India is the only country to make such a Jurassic-era discovery. “It is a crocodile that lived with the dinosaurs, and it mostly lived in forests near rivers or seashores. If this is the same creature, then we can give the exact age of it, which is 201.4 million years,” he said.
The fossil was discovered last Thursday, after fossilized vertebrate remains were reported from Megha village in Jaisalmer district. However, its exact age was confirmed only later.
Senior hydrogeologist Narayan Das Inakhiya said the remains, potentially linked to the Jurassic period, include spinal structures, wing bones, and footprints, adding to the growing body of prehistoric evidence in the region.
Inakhiya emphasized the importance of the find, calling it a proud moment not just for Rajasthan but for the entire country. “After observation, it was found that it’s a creature from the Jurassic era, and it’s a fossil. To discover such a creature is a proud moment not only for Jaisalmer but for the whole nation. Such fossils provide a lot of information regarding human evolution,” he said.
He noted that villagers have previously found multiple fossils in the region, including dinosaur footprints and bones, suggesting Jaisalmer is a treasure trove for paleontologists and geologists alike.
Beyond academic interest, experts believe the discovery could boost geotourism in Rajasthan. Traditionally known for its forts and deserts, Jaisalmer may soon gain prominence as a fossil tourism destination. “This is not just a scientific achievement; it opens up new possibilities for tourism and education,” Inakhiya said.
Phytosaurs, an extinct genus that predates modern crocodiles, thrived during the late Triassic to early Jurassic period. They were known for their elongated jaws and semi-aquatic lifestyle. (ANI)
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