Overview
- Fragments from the Tingamarra clay deposit at Murgon, Queensland, were formally described as Wakkaoolithus godthelpi in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.
- The study, led by Xavier Panadès i Blas with collaborators from the Institut Català de Paleontologia and UNSW, analyzed eggshell microstructure and chemical signals to infer nesting behavior.
- Findings align with prior fossil evidence that mekosuchines were ecologically diverse, with some terrestrial forms, possible semi‑arboreal 'drop crocs,' and riverine species reaching at least five metres.
- The research highlights that modern saltwater and freshwater crocodiles arrived in Australia about 3.8 million years ago, long after mekosuchines dominated inland waterways.
- Authors propose mekosuchines declined as landscapes dried and waterways shrank, facing new crocodilian competitors and fewer large prey, and urge routine collection and analysis of eggshells in future digs.