India's First Phytosaur Fossil Unearthed - A Jurassic-Era Marvel
Date: August 25, 2025 | Location: Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India
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| India’s first phytosaur fossil unearthed in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan - a historic discovery in Indian paleontology. |
In a landmark paleontological discovery, India has now officially entered the Jurassic fold. Researchers led by Professor V. S. Parihar from Jai Narayan Vyas University have unearthed the country’s first-ever "phytosaur fossil" in Megha village, Jaisalmer. This reptilian relic, dating back nearly "200 million years", marks a breakthrough moment for India's prehistoric research.
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What Is a Phytosaur?
Phytosaurs were large, crocodile - like reptiles that roamed Earth during the "Late Triassic to early Jurassic periods". These creatures, resembling modern crocodiles, were primarily piscivorous hunting fish in forested river systems. Remarkably, they survived the Permian - Triassic mass extinction and continued flourishing into the Jurassic era.
The Discovery in Jaisalmer
The excavation in "Megha village" revealed a well-preserved skeleton measuring approximately "1.5 to 2 metres long", along with an egg nearby offering unique insights into the reptile's reproductive behavior. According to senior geologist "Narayan Das Inkhia", this find is believed to be the "second of its kind globally", placing Jaisalmer on the map as a key paleobiological site. The fossils were recovered from the Jurassic-layered "Lathi Formation".
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Why It Matters
- Fills a major gap in India’s paleontological record
- Opens doors to deeper studies on prehistoric ecosystems in the subcontinent
- Places Jaisalmer among the world’s critical fossil discovery regions
What Comes Next?
Authorities have secured the excavation zone, ensuring its protection from external interference. Researchers continue to unearth additional vertebrate fossils, including hints of a "winged herbivorous dinosaur". As more excavations unfold, India’s Jurassic past is poised to reveal its deepest secrets.
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In Closing
This discovery of a Jurassic - era phytosaur in Jaisalmer is more than just a fossil find it’s a bridge to an ancient world, offering us a rare window into Earth’s distant ecosystem. As excavation continues, one can't help but wonder: what other ancient marvels lay hidden in India’s stones?
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