The area of El Calafate, famous for its impressive glaciers, is also a corner where the land hides secrets of the past, such as the Kostensuchus atrox, an ancient predator from the Cretaceous that inhabited the region 70 million years ago.
This newly discovered crocodyliform, whose fossil was found in the Chorrillo Formation, measured about 3.5 meters and weighed around 250 kilos. With powerful jaws and sharp teeth, this prehistoric giant was a formidable predator, capable of hunting smaller dinosaurs.
The discovery, made near the Los Glaciares National Park, is significant as it is the first fossil of its kind found in this formation. The skeleton is almost complete, except for parts of the limbs and tail, allowing for a detailed analysis of its anatomy.
Behind this finding is a long and meticulous process that began in 2020, going through various stages of excavation and laboratory analysis, culminating in its description in a scientific journal. This type of work is common in paleontology, a science that demands patience and precision.
Although it is not a dinosaur nor a direct ancestor of current crocodiles, the Kostensuchus atrox belongs to the peirosaurids, a group adapted to terrestrial life in Gondwana. Its name evokes the Patagonian wind and the Egyptian deity Sobek.
Discovery of a Prehistoric Predator
The study suggests that its posture was less upright compared to other crocodyliforms, although more evidence is needed to clarify its habits. Its diet was hypercarnivorous, with a robust snout and teeth designed for effective tearing, allowing it to take down sizable prey.
In the context of the Maastrichtian, the region was different from today, with floodplains and a warm climate. The Kostensuchus shared its environment with other predators like the theropod Maip, its main competitor.
This discovery not only enriches knowledge about past biodiversity but also underscores the connection between continents in ancient times, showing that species like the peirosaurids inhabited both South America and Africa.
Finally, this study is a reminder that climate change is a constant in Earth’s history, although the current warming is driven by human activity, as noted by the IPCC.
