"Crocodile of the Valley" Rewrites the History of Ancient Crocodiles

Discovery of a New Crocodile Species Dating Back to the Age of the Dinosaurs, 80 Million Years Ago, in the Western Desert of Egypt

Prof. Cherif Khater: This is a new achievement that will be inscribed in the scientific record of Mansoura University and strengthens its international standing in the field of research and leadership.

"Crocodile of the Valley"... A Story from the Depths of the Egyptian Desert Reveals the Oldest Family of Marine Crocodiles that survived the extinction of the dinosaurs

Prof. Cherif Khater, President of Mansoura University, announced the success of the team from the University's Vertebrate Paleontology Center (MUVP), led by Prof. Hesham Sallam, Professor of Vertebrate Paleontology and Founder of the Center, in discovering a new species of ancient crocodile that lived in Egypt approximately 80 million years ago.

Details of the discovery were published in The Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, one of the oldest and most important international journals specializing in evolutionary science.

The President of Mansoura University expressed his pride in this new achievement, which adds to the university's record of scientific research and global discoveries. He said that this success is a true reflection of the university's vision to support applied scientific research that serves humanity and enhances its position among the world's leading universities. He added that this discovery is part of a series of research achievements that confirm Mansoura University's leadership in the fields of basic and natural sciences and reinforce its position as a globally influential research university. He praised the dedicated efforts of young researchers led by Prof. Hesham Sallam. He emphasized that the university's Vertebrate Paleontology Center has become an inspiring Egyptian model in the fields of scientific research and discovery, embodying the role of young researchers in achieving global achievements. He pointed out that such discoveries contribute to strengthening Egypt's soft power through scientific research and confirm that its youth possess the tools for leadership and innovation in the study of natural history.

Prof. Tarek Ghalwash said that this discovery represents an important step towards strengthening Mansoura University's leadership in advanced research. He noted that the university places special emphasis on distinguished research centers and is working to create a scientific environment capable of achieving qualitative discoveries that will place Egypt at the forefront of the international scientific scene.

This giant crocodile lived approximately 80 million years ago in an area now known as the New Valley Governorate. Scientists have named it Wadisuchus kassabi, making it one of the most important discoveries shedding light on life in ancient times. Wadisuchus represents the oldest member of the Dyrosauridae family, a group of marine crocodiles that survived the extinction of the dinosaurs and flourished afterward, making it a rare witness to a pivotal stage in the evolution of ancient reptiles.

Unlike today's crocodiles, which inhabit rivers and swamps, this ancient species lived on coastal and shallow seas. Its long snout and sharp teeth made it a skilled predator that survived the disappearance of the dinosaurs.

The name "Wadi" (Wadi) refers to the discovery site in the New Valley, while "Sox" is derived from the name of the ancient Egyptian god Sobek, the crocodile-headed god of strength and fertility. The final part of the name, "Kassabi," commemorates the late Egyptian scientist Ahmed Kassab, a pioneer of geology and paleontology in Egypt, who inspired generations of researchers.

Dr. Hesham Sallam emphasized that this discovery is one of the most significant in the history of Egyptian paleontology. He explained that crocodile remains were found in the Kharga and Baris oases, including parts of the skulls and snouts of several individuals at different age stages, providing scientists with a unique opportunity to understand the evolution of this species of crocodile. He noted that the research team used 3D CT scanning techniques, which enabled it to reveal fine anatomical details never before seen, providing a clearer picture of the internal structure of these marine creatures that roamed the coasts of ancient Egypt.

Dr. Sara Saber, teaching assistant at Assiut University, a member of the research team, and the first author of the study, explained that this species was distinguished by unique anatomical features that made it an important transitional link in the history of crocodile evolution. She emphasized that the findings provide new insights into how reptiles adapted to marine environments after major extinctions. She added that its length ranged between 3.5 and 4 meters, with a very long snout and sharp teeth. It was a specialized hunter, preying on fish. Wadesuchus differed from its relatives by having four front teeth instead of five, nostrils located above the snout to help it breathe from the surface of the water, and a deep cavity where the jaws meet.

Bilal Salem, a doctoral student at Ohio University and assistant professor at Benha University, and a member of the team, noted that the study revealed the pivotal role of Africa, particularly the Egyptian Western Desert, in the origin and development of this species of marine crocodiles, redrawing the map of reptile evolution worldwide. He added that the results of the evolutionary analysis indicate that the diversification of this family began in Africa earlier than previously thought, giving the discovery a global dimension that reinforces the importance of Egyptian geological heritage in understanding the history of organisms on planet Earth.

Dr. Hesham Sallam said that the importance of this discovery lies not only in adding a new chapter to the history of ancient crocodiles, but also in shedding light on the scientific treasures hidden in the Egyptian Western Desert. He added that the Egyptian desert still holds tremendous secrets about the distant past, and our mission as scientists is not only to discover them, but to protect them for future generations, as they represent an integral part of Egypt's scientific and human identity.