Rare & well-preserved Jurassic-era fossils, possibly of phytosaur, discovered in Jaisalmer

Early analysis indicates that the fossils may belong to a phytosaur, a crocodile-like reptile that lived in riverine and forest habitats.

Geologists in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district have reported the discovery of vertebrate fossils believed to date back to the Jurassic period, including a partially preserved skeleton and what appears to be an egg, according to a report by India Today. The findings are being described as a rare and significant addition to India’s paleontological record.

The fossils were recovered from sedimentary rock formations in the desert region. The skeleton, estimated to measure between 1.5 and 2 metres in length, was found with an egg-shaped fossil positioned on its left side. Preliminary assessment suggests the remains could be about 210 million years old, making them among the oldest vertebrate fossils recorded in this part of the country, the report said.

According to the report, early analysis indicates that the fossils may belong to a phytosaur, a crocodile-like reptile that lived in riverine and forest habitats. If confirmed, this would mark the first evidence of phytosaur fossils from Jurassic formations in India.

Experts have been quoted to say that phytosaurs, though resembling crocodiles in appearance, were a distinct group of reptiles that thrived in semi-aquatic environments before becoming extinct millions of years ago. Their presence in western Rajasthan points to a very different ecological landscape than the arid desert seen today.

Narayan Das Inikhiya, Geologist and Senior Ground Water Scientist, Rajasthan, who is leading the study, said in the report that the discovery offered important insights into the region’s prehistory. “These fossils provide vital clues about the Jurassic age environment of western Rajasthan. Detailed research and carbon dating will help confirm whether these are indeed dinosaur remains,” he has been quoted.

While the possibility of the fossils belonging to an early dinosaur has not been ruled out, experts maintain that a conclusive identification will require further investigation.

"The phytosaur looks like a crocodile, and the fossil is 200 million years old," Professor VS Parihar, senior paleontologist and dean of Earth Science System at Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur, told NDTV.

"The fossil indicates a medium-sized phytosaur that probably lived near a river here millions of years ago and ate fish to survive. Phytosaurs are believed to be 229 million years old and could also be from the early Jurassic age," he has been quoted.

The discovery has drawn attention not only from geologists but also from historians and local residents. The report said visuals from the site show researchers carefully examining and documenting large fossilised fragments embedded in rock. Authorities have initiated steps to ensure preservation of the remains, while further excavation is being planned in the area.

Previously, a type of phytosaur fossil was found on the Bihar-Madhya Pradesh border in 2023, however, this is said to be the first definitive, well-preserved find in India.