Kaprosuchus

Genera and Species

Classification: Crocodylomorpha, ‬Mahajangasuchidae.

Species: K. ‬saharicus.

Characteristics

Kaprosuchus possessed three sets of tusk-like teeth that projected above and below the skull, one of which in the lower jaw fit into notches in the upper jaw, with well-developed muscles for extra biting power. Primarily, if not exclusively terrestrial, the predator’s legs are reconstructed as if allowing it to gallop. The forward-facing eyes would have given it stereoscopic vision for improved hunting. Crocodyliformes in the Mesozoic filled a much wider range of roles including some rare herbivore forms than is found in modern faunas.

Size

LENGTH: 6 m (20 ft).

WEIGHT: 1000 – 2000 lbs.

Behavior

Kaprosuchus had an armored snout that could have rammed its prey before using the three sets of fangs to slice it up; its prey would have included dinosaurs.

History of Discovery

Discovery, Sereno & ‬ Larsson ‬- ‬2009 with almost complete skull.

Paleoenvironment

Found in lush, river-carved plains of present-day Niger and Morocco (Dell'Amore, 2009).

References

1. Knol, R. (2013, September 11). Late Cretaceous Cenomanian Echkar Formation Niger. Retrieved May 22, 2014, from http://www.dinosaurcollectorsitea.com/LCafrica.html

2. Dell'Amore, C. (2009, November 19). STRANGE CROC PICTURES: New Dino-Eater, Galloper, More. . Retrieved May 29, 2014, from http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/stories/spacescience/dino-death-pit/.

3. Itstwentybelow. (2011, March 13). Kaprosuchus.

4. Kaprosuchus. (n.d.). Retrieved May 22, 2014, from http://www.prehistoric-wildlife.com/species/k/Kaprosuchus.html.