JAISALMER, Aug 25: A fossil of a phytosaur species from the Jurassic period has been discovered in Megha village of Jaisalmer.
Scientists estimate its age at around 201 million years, making it one of the oldest fossils ever found in the country and the first phytosaur fossil from Jurassic rocks in India.
The skeleton was found near a pond in Megha village of Fatehgarh subdivision, after which villagers informed the administration on August 21.Senior groundwater scientist Dr. Narayan Das Inkhaiya inspected the site and confirmed it as a Jurassic-period fossil. Later, Dr. V.S. Parihar, Dean of the Institute of Earth Sciences, JNVU Jodhpur, verified the find and is currently leading a detailed study with his team. Dr. Parihar said, “This fossil belongs to the phytosaur species of crocodile-shaped reptiles that lived during the Late Triassic and Early Jurassic period – older than dinosaurs. Its length is about 1.5 to 2 meters.”
Phytosaurs, often called “tree lizards,” were ancient reptiles that lived in dense forests near rivers. By examining the spine, researchers observed strong similarities to modern crocodiles. The excavation site has been protected with fencing.
The Geological Survey of India will now carry out a full excavation and study of the fossil. (IANS)
