Jaipur– Scientists in Rajasthan have discovered a 201-million-year-old fossil of a phytosaur species in Megha village, Jaisalmer, marking one of the oldest fossils ever found in India and the first phytosaur specimen from Jurassic rocks in the country.
The skeleton, unearthed near a pond in Fatehgarh subdivision’s Megha village, was first reported by locals to the administration on August 21. Senior groundwater scientist Dr. Narayan Das Inkhaiya inspected the site and identified the remains as Jurassic-era. His findings were later confirmed by Dr. V.S. Parihar, Dean of the Institute of Earth Sciences at JNVU Jodhpur, who is now leading a detailed study with his research team.
“This fossil belongs to the phytosaur species of crocodile-shaped reptiles that lived during the Late Triassic and Early Jurassic period — older than dinosaurs,” Dr. Parihar said. “Its length is about 1.5 to 2 meters.”
Phytosaurs, sometimes referred to as “tree lizards,” lived in forested regions near rivers. Researchers noted that the fossil’s spine bears a striking resemblance to modern crocodiles. The excavation site has since been fenced off to prevent damage.
The Geological Survey of India will conduct a full excavation to further study the discovery. “This is a major discovery where a nearly complete skeleton has been found. Further excavation may also reveal fossils of other creatures,” Dr. Inkhaiya noted.
Jaisalmer has long been recognized for traces of prehistoric life. Dinosaur footprints have been found near Thaiyat, while Akal village is home to 180-million-year-old fossilized trees preserved in the Wood Fossil Park. Other locations, including Jethwai Hill, Thaiyat, and Lathi, are often called “villages of dinosaurs” due to the abundance of remains found there.
Although mining once threatened many fossil sites in the region, the state government has since halted quarrying and secured the areas for protection. (Source: IANS)
