Paleontologists have identified a new species of extinct crocodile, Crocodylus anthropophagus, whose fossilized remains were found in Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania. The species name, meaning 'man-eater', reflects evidence suggesting it may have preyed on early hominins.
The crocodile lived approximately 2 to 4 million years ago, overlapping in time and habitat with early human ancestors like Australopithecus afarensis, famously represented by the fossil 'Lucy'. Fossils of these hominins bearing crocodile tooth marks have been discovered in the same region, indicating a predator-prey relationship.
Researchers note that water sources were critical for survival but also posed significant dangers. The presence of C. anthropophagus underscores the perilous environment in which early humans evolved, facing threats from large carnivores both on land and in the water.
