A team of scientists has recently uncovered a nearly complete skull belonging to a Hyaenodonta, a hypercarnivorous creature that roamed the Earth during the Oligocene Epoch approximately 20 million years ago.
This apex predator, scientifically identified as Bastetodon syrtos, was a formidable hunter that likely preyed on elephants, early hippos, and even the monkey-like ancestors of humans. The discovery of this ancient skull is expected to provide valuable insights into the ecosystems of ancient Africa and the evolutionary history of many modern mammal species.
During the Oligocene Epoch, a leopard-like hypercarnivore thrived in the lush forests of Fayum, Egypt, about 30 million years ago. With razor-sharp teeth and a diet comprising mostly meat, this creature held the position of the region’s top predator. Its descendants eventually evolved into some of the largest mammalian meat-eating animals to ever inhabit the planet.
Despite its dominance in the food chain, little was known about this ancient mammal until the recent discovery of a nearly intact skull. This fearsome predator would have hunted hyraxes, elephants, early hippopotamuses, and the ancestors of early humans.
Belonging to the extinct Hyaenodonta order, this creature was named Bastetodon syrtos, referencing the lion-headed Ancient Egyptian goddess Bastet. The findings regarding B. syrtos and its significance in understanding ancient African ecology were detailed in a recent publication in the Journal of Invertebrate Paleontology.
The skull of B. syrtos was unearthed in the Fayum Depression, an area with a rich paleontological history spanning millions of years. The discovery was almost missed until a team member noticed a set of large teeth protruding from the ground. This remarkable find marked the beginning of an extraordinary discovery for the team.
This discovery also allowed scientists to revisit the analysis of another Hyaenodont genus, Sekhmetops, shedding light on its global migration from Africa to various continents. The decline of specialized Hyaenodonts eventually led to their extinction in the late Miocene, making way for new top predators, including the ancient ancestors of modern cats.
The discovery of Bastetodon syrtos is a significant milestone in unraveling the diversity and evolution of hyaenodonts and their global distribution, offering valuable insights into the prehistoric world.
We are dedicated to conducting our research in order to uncover the complex interconnections between these ancient predators and their surroundings throughout history and across various continents.
