A newly identified crocodylomorph from about 215 million years ago has been discovered in Gloucester, UK, revealing a fast-moving, land-dwelling predator:
- The animal resembled a reptilian greyhound, with a slender build adapted for speed
- It has been named Galahadosuchus jonesi in honor of schoolteacher David Rhys Jones
Fast Land-Dwelling Crocodile Relative Discovered in Triassic UK
Scientists have identified a new species of early crocodile relative from the Triassic period in Gloucester, UK. Unlike modern crocodiles, this animal lived entirely on land and had a body built for speed. With long, slender legs and a lightweight frame, it likely moved quickly through vegetation, hunting small reptiles, amphibians, and early mammals. At the time, this region was an elevated landscape surrounded by hot, dry plains.
The species name combines a nod to Arthurian legend with a personal tribute. The first part references Galahad, a knight known for his upright and noble character, reflecting the animal’s upright posture. The second part honors David Rhys Jones, a schoolteacher at Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi in Cardigan, Wales, who taught the study’s lead author.
“We named it after my secondary school physics teacher,” says Ewan Bodenham, PhD student at the Natural History Museum London and UCL, lead author of the new paper.
“Mr. Jones was just such a good teacher, not only in being able to explain things well, but you could tell that he was genuinely interested in the sciences. I think that really inspired me.”
“He also didn’t let me settle. He was very good at challenging people and helping students be the best they can be. Above all, he’s a very funny, genuine, nice guy.”
Fossils From Ancient Cave Deposits
The fossil remains were recovered from fissure deposits located on both sides of the Bristol Channel in southern Wales and southwest England. These deposits formed when animals that died on the surface were washed into underground cavities, where they were eventually buried by sediment.
Among the fossils found in these deposits was Terrestrisuchus, another early member of the Crocodylomorpha group, which includes modern crocodiles. This ancient relative, like the newly identified species, had long, slender legs and lived fully on land rather than in water.
Identifying a New Species
“My PhD project is looking at the evolutionary relationships of these early crocodiles,” explains Ewan.
“So we conducted a detailed anatomical description of this specimen, making comparisons to other early crocodiles to determine if it was another specimen of Terrestrisuchus or if it was something new.”
After closely analyzing the fossils, the researchers identified 13 distinct differences. These differences were enough to confirm that the specimen represents a completely new species.
Insights Into Pre-Extinction Ecosystems
This discovery adds to the growing list of species known from the Late Triassic in this region. It also helps scientists better understand ecosystems that existed just before the Triassic-Jurassic mass extinction, a major event linked to increased volcanic activity and climate disruption.
By studying which species lived before this extinction and how they responded to environmental changes, researchers can gain insight into how life adapts during periods of major upheaval.
Study Publication
The new species is formally described in the paper ‘A second species of non-crocodyliform crocodylomorph from the Late Triassic fissure deposits of southwestern UK: implications for locomotory ecological diversity in Saltoposuchidae’ published in the journal The Anatomical Record.
