About 30 million years ago, in the ancient landscape of Fayum, Egypt, a remarkable skull was discovered, belonging to a notorious predator of that era. This apex predator was a formidable beast, hunting early hippos and elephants, and even occasionally targeting our distant ancestors.
The evolution of today’s cat and dog families unfolded over millions of years, beginning just after the dinosaurs vanished. Initially, these ancestors were relatively small hunters, but as time progressed, some species evolved to occupy larger ecological roles. Despite their adaptability, large herbivores still encountered dangers, particularly when navigating through areas populated by crocodiles.
In this context, we find the hyaenodonts—some of the earliest significant carnivorous mammals to roam Africa. These diverse creatures, ranging in size, were integral to their ecosystems. Recent findings have provided fresh insights into these ancient hunters.
Interestingly, hyaenodonts are not closely linked to modern hyenas, despite their name. They earned this designation due to their distinctive teeth that bore a resemblance to those of hyenas. Their unique dental structure featured shearing blades positioned between molars, which differentiated them from other predators. The unearthing of a fossilized skull, dating back 30 million years in Fayum, led to the identification of a new species named Bastet, in honor of the Egyptian goddess associated with protection, pleasure, and health.
This newly classified species, Bastetodon syrtos, was comparable in size to today’s leopards. It existed during a time when early monkeys and elephants roamed the Earth, likely finding them to be prime targets for its predatory instincts.
Further examinations revealed that Bastetodon shared notable similarities with another hyaenodont, Pterodon africanus. Both species were closely linked to Falcatodon schlosseri, suggesting a shared lineage. This group of predators originated in Africa before dispersing to various parts of the globe.
The research team also decided to rename a previously identified species to Sekhmetops africanus, after the fierce lion-headed goddess of wrath and war in Egyptian mythology. These findings illuminate the rich diversity and evolutionary history of hyaenodonts, highlighting their extensive geographical reach.
At their zenith, hyaenodonts were among the largest carnivorous mammals, comparable in size to polar bears. However, as environmental changes occurred, more adaptable predators such as cats, dogs, and hyenas emerged, gradually overshadowing these ancient giants.
The Fayum region has proven to be a goldmine for paleontologists, offering crucial insights into the development of African ecosystems and mammalian evolution. The fossils unearthed here span an impressive 15-million-year timeline, granting us a fascinating peek into a world long gone.
This pioneering research has been published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, providing a fresh lens through which to view the complex relationships between ancient predators and their habitats across different continents.
