A jaw-dropping discovery in southern Patagonia has unveiled a crocodile-like hypercarnivore that prowled the Earth 70 million years ago, hunting dinosaurs and ruling its territory.

Meet Kostensuchus Atrox!

Introducing Kostensuchus atrox, a colossal predator that reached lengths of up to 11.5 feet (3.5 meters) and weighed in at around 550 pounds (250 kilograms). This fearsome creature is named after both the fierce Patagonian winds known as "the Kosten" and the Egyptian god Sobek, who had the head of a crocodile.

An Apex Predator of Its Time!

With a diet consisting of over 70% meat, K. atrox was a hypercarnivore, armed with a broad snout, formidable teeth, and strong forelimbs—perfect adaptations for taking down sizable prey. Recent findings published in the journal PLOS One reveal that this ancient beast thrived in the vibrant Cretaceous ecosystem of South America.

A Diverse Ecosystem!

The remarkable discovery sheds light on an era when dinosaurs coexisted with a rich variety of other creatures. According to lead researcher Fernando Novas from Argentina’s National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), the diversity of terrestrial crocodylians during this period was astounding. "These extinct crocodilians were abundant in South America and Africa, both carnivorous and herbivorous, indicating these continents were a 'land of crocs'," he explained.

Competing with Dinosaurs!

K. atrox wasn't just living in the shadows of dinosaurs—this predator was actively competing and preying upon them, shaping the ecology of its time. As part of the peirosaurid crocodyliform group, K. atrox is one of the best-preserved examples ever found, making it a vital clue in unraveling the mysteries of prehistoric life.

A Discovery Among Giants!

Found in Patagonia's Chorrillo rock formation, K. atrox’s fossils are among the most complete of its kind. Coincidentally, researchers also discovered a larger carnivorous dinosaur named Maip macrothorax around the same time—this megaraptor measured between 30 to 33 feet (9 to 10 meters) long, marking it as a top predator.

Rivalry on the Cretaceous Stage!

Although smaller than M. macrothorax, K. atrox posed a significant threat to small and medium-sized dinosaurs, carving its niche in the competitive landscape of ancient South America.

Join us as we explore the thrilling tales of these ancient hunters and their role in Earth’s dramatic evolutionary history!