Prehistoric "Drop Crocs" Discovered in Australia's Backyard

In a remarkable discovery, scientists have unearthed Australia's oldest known crocodile eggshells, shedding new light on the prehistoric mekosuchine crocodiles that once roamed the continent. These ancient reptiles, which dominated Australian waters 55 million years ago, were a far cry from the saltwater and freshwater crocs that arrived much later, around 3.8 million years ago.

The mekosuchine crocodiles were a unique breed, capable of growing up to 16 feet long and exhibiting some truly remarkable hunting behaviors. According to paleontologist Michael Archer, these "drop crocs" would have hunted their prey by dropping down on them from the trees, much like the legendary "drop bear" of Australian folklore. This bizarre hunting strategy is just one of the many intriguing insights the newly discovered eggshells are providing into the anatomy and adaptability of these prehistoric creatures.

The eggshell fragments were unearthed in a backyard in southeast Queensland, a testament to the rich paleontological treasures that still lie hidden across Australia. The researchers, led by a team from the Institut Català de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont in Barcelona, are excited to continue exploring this site, as they believe there are many more surprises waiting to be uncovered.