Scientists identify ancient predator ‘Bastetodon’ in Egypt
A rare fossil uncovered in Egypt’s Fayum Desert has led to the identification of a new species of a 30-million-year-old apex predator, named Bastetodon. Published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, the discovery provides fresh insights into the evolution of ancient carnivorous mammals.
Bastetodon belonged to the extinct hyaenodonts, a group that dominated African ecosystems long before modern carnivores such as lions and hyenas. This leopard-sized predator possessed powerful jaw muscles and sharp teeth, suggesting it preyed on primates, early hippos, elephants, and hyraxes in what was once a lush forest.
The fossil was unearthed by a research team led by Shorouq Al-Ashqar, a PhD student at the Mansoura University Vertebrate Paleontology Center and a research assistant at the American University in Cairo. Al-Ashqar described the moment of discovery as exhilarating:
“Just as we were about to conclude our work, a team member spotted something remarkable—a set of large teeth protruding from the ground. His excited shout brought the team together, marking the start of an extraordinary find: a nearly complete skull of an ancient apex carnivore.”
The name Bastetodon derives from the ancient Egyptian cat-headed goddess Bastet, symbolizing protection and power. The research also identified another extinct genus, Sekhmetops, named after the lion-headed Egyptian goddess Sekhmet.
The study underscores how these predators once thrived in Africa before expanding to Asia, Europe, and North America. However, as climates shifted and new predators emerged, hyaenodonts eventually vanished.
Al-Ashqar highlighted the significance of the discovery, stating: “This finding is crucial in understanding the evolution of ancient carnivores and their global distribution.” The team hopes further research will unveil more about these fascinating prehistoric creatures.
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