Researchers find 265-million-year-old fossil of South America's oldest predator

The discovery of a 265 million year old fossil revealed the Pampaphoneus biccai, O oldest predator in South America. This formidable animal lived 40 million years before dinosaurs dominated what is now South America.

The incredible find, detailed in a study published in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, occurred in the rural area of ​​São Gabriel, a city in Rio Grande do Sul.

O fossil it is notable for its exceptional preservation, including a complete skull and skeletal parts such as ribs and arm bones.

O Pampaphoneus biccai It is part of the group of therapsids known as dinocephalians, which had thick cranial bones, translating to “terrible head” in Greek.

Although such animals were more common in South Africa and Russia, this discovery makes the Pampaphoneus the only species known in Brazil.

Check out more details about the discovery

The fossil was located in mid-Permian rocks, a time that preceded the largest extinction event in Earth's history, wiping out 86% of global animal species.

Such a discovery is crucial to understanding pre-extinction life and the structure of terrestrial communities of the period.

The researchers estimate that the Pampaphoneus It could reach up to three meters in length and weigh around 400 kg. Was a predator with sharp canines capable of chewing bones, similar to modern daytime hyenas.

(Illustrative image: disclosure)

Although only two skulls Pampaphoneus have been found in South America so far, research suggests the possible existence of a third, even larger individual.

The fossil also provides unprecedented information about the morphology of South America's oldest predator, thanks to the unusual preservation of its bones.

The importance of discovery

This spectacular revelation highlights the paleontological potential of the Pampa Gaúchos region for significant future fossil discoveries.

Plus, it offers a fascinating look at the ancient predators that dominated South America long before the dinosaurs.

The fossil was located by paleontologists from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Unipampa. The collaboration between the participants resulted in the item being found after a month of fieldwork.

The main people involved in the discovery were Mateus A. Costa Santos (main author of the study), Stephanie E. Pierce (co-author of the study) and Felipe Pinheiro (senior author and head of the paleontology laboratory at Unipampa).