A new species of ancient crocodile called Alligator munensis has been discovered by an international team of paleontologists in Thailand. As reported in the article published in Scientific ReportsThe find is an important discovery for paleontologists, adding new pieces to the puzzle of past ecosystems.

The remains of this ancient crocodile were found in 2005 in the Non Sung region of Nakhon Ratchasima province in northeastern Thailand. Despite the fact that the find was made almost twenty years ago, only modern research methods have allowed scientists to determine its true origin.

Experts from Germany, together with their colleagues from Thailand, conducted a comprehensive study of the fossils, which led to the classification of this ancient creature as a new species of crocodile. The newly discovered species was named Alligator munensis, inspired by the place where the remains were found.

According to scientists, this ancestor of modern crocodiles existed about 230 thousand years ago, during the Middle Pleistocene period. This means that Crocodile munensis lived during the Ice Age, adding new data to our understanding of how animals adapted to the harsh climatic conditions of this era.

The results promise a deeper understanding of the evolution and history of crocodiles and their environment during periods when the Earth’s climate underwent significant changes. Source