In 2,500 B.C.E., Work on Egypt’s Great Sphinx Began. Now, the Same Rock Used in Construction Has Revealed a New Crocodile Species

**Ancient Crocodile Species Discovered in Egypt’s Mokattam Formation**

In a remarkable scientific breakthrough, researchers have identified a previously unknown species of ancient crocodile, shedding light on the rich history of evolutionary biology. The fossilised remains were unearthed from the Mokattam Formation, a geological layer that has not only served as a resource for ancient monumental tombs but also preserved a plethora of prehistoric life.

Publishing their findings in the *Royal Society Open Science* journal on 7 October 2023, the team pinpointed the newly discovered species as a gharial, a member of the crocodilian family distinguished by its elongated, needle-like snout. This specific fossil was sourced from the same limestone bedrock that contributed to the construction of iconic structures such as the Great Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza, which date back approximately 2,500 years before the common era.

The Mokattam Formation is renowned for its abundance of ancient fossil remains, including those of sharks and whales, alongside the newly identified gharial. Before the rock from this formation became integral to some of Egypt’s most recognisable monuments, it preserved diverse fossilised flora and fauna from a long-lost era.

The newly named genus, *Herugavialis*, correlates intriguingly with the Sphinx itself, as both entities share an absence of a nose tip. This prompted scientists to draw a connection to Heru, or Horus, an Egyptian deity often associated with the Sphinx, thereby imbuing the scientific nomenclature with cultural significance.

Co-lead author of the study, Paul Burke, commented on the implications of this discovery, stating, “*Herugavialis cairensis* is believed to be one of six gharial species that existed in the Mediterranean over a staggering 43 million-year period, spanning from 66 to 23 million years ago.” Burke also noted the potential for discovering even more species yet to be documented.

At present, only two gharial species are known to exist, namely the Indian gharial and the false gharial, both of which are critically endangered or at risk of extinction. The discovery of *Herugavialis* highlights the fragility of their lineage and the rich tapestry of life that characterised ancient ecosystems.

The research team conducted extensive evolutionary analyses to differentiate the *Herugavialis* fossil from other known relatives, concluding that it belongs to a previously unrecognised genus. Philip Mannion, the lead author of the study, expressed optimism regarding future excavations in the Mokattam Formation. Mannion noted, “It’s probable that larger fossils are also present within the walls of these monuments, and I think it’s very likely that other fossils will continue to be found in this formation, particularly of species adapted to shallow marine environments.”

This groundbreaking discovery opens up a dialogue about the potential for further investigations within Egypt’s geological treasures. The Mokattam Formation is acknowledged not just for its architectural significance but also for its critical role in understanding the prehistoric life that inhabited the region millions of years ago.

As excavations proceed, the ecological importance of the ancient gharial could pave the way for a better understanding of evolutionary pathways and the environmental factors that contributed to the survival challenges faced by contemporary gharial species. The implications of this research extend beyond mere academic interest, prompting reflections on conservation efforts crucial to preserving the remaining gharial populations.

As scientists continue to study the fossil record from this unique and historically rich formation, the hope remains that more secrets of the ancient world will be unveiled, enriching our understanding of the Earth’s biological history. The discovery of *Herugavialis cairensis* serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of life and the historical roots of modern species, urging us to celebrate and protect the remaining links to our planet’s past.