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Scientists have discovered a previously unknown species of extinct crocodilian, named Herugavialis cairensis, from fossils recovered from Egypt’s 45-million-year-old Mokattam Formation. The study, published in Royal Society Open Science on October 7, 2026, revealed that the animal resembled the gharial found today in northern Indian rivers.
About Herugavialis cairensis
Herugavialis cairensis belonged to the gharial group of crocodilians, characterised by their long, narrow snouts. Researchers used computed tomography (CT) to examine the internal structure of a nearly complete fossil skull and identify differences from the genus Tomistoma, to which the fossils had previously been assigned.
The species was named after the Egyptian god Heru, who may have inspired the famous Sphinx of Giza. The fossils were discovered in rock from the Mokattam Formation, which dates back approximately 45 million years. At that time, shallow marine environments covered much of the region, supporting at least two other gharial species.
About Gharials
Gharials are crocodilians distinguished by their elongated, narrow snouts, adapted primarily for catching fish. Fossil evidence indicates that ancient gharial relatives had a much wider global distribution than their living counterparts and inhabited diverse environments, including shallow seas.
Two living species are commonly recognised in this group: the gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), found in South Asia, and the false gharial (Tomistoma schlegelii), found in Southeast Asia. The gharial is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is found in river systems of northern India and neighbouring countries.
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