Before Lions And Wolves, Bastetodon Was The Apex Predator Early Monkeys Feared

Around 30 million years ago in Fayum, Egypt, a skull was unearthed that belonged to a fearsome predator of the time. This apex predator would have been a formidable creature, preying on early hippos and elephants, and even snacking on our own ancestors.

The evolution of the cat and dog families took place between the extinction of the dinosaurs and the present day. These animals started off as relatively small predators, with some descendants growing to fill larger ecological niches. However, large herbivores still faced threats, even if they avoided crocodile-infested rivers.

Enter the hyaenodonts – the first big carnivorous mammals that roamed Africa. These creatures, both large and small, played a crucial role in the ecosystem. A recent discovery sheds light on these ancient predators.

Contrary to popular belief, hyaenodonts were not closely related to modern hyenas. They were named for their teeth, which resembled those of hyenas. These predators had shearing blades between their molars, a feature that set them apart. The discovery of a 30-million-year-old fossil skull in Fayum led to the identification of a new species named Bastet, after the Egyptian goddess of protection, pleasure, and health.

Bastetodon syrtos, as the new species was called, was similar in size to a modern leopard. It lived during a time when monkeys and elephants roamed the land, likely serving as prey for this formidable predator.

Further research revealed similarities between Bastetodon and another hyaenodont species, Pterodon africanus. Both creatures were closely related to Falcatodon schlosseri, indicating a common ancestry. This family of predators originated in Africa and eventually spread across the globe.

The team of researchers also re-named the earlier discovery Sekhmetops africanus, after the lion-headed Egyptian goddess of wrath and war. These discoveries shed light on the diversity and evolution of hyaenodonts, showcasing their global distribution.

At their peak, hyaenodonts were some of the largest mammalian carnivores, rivalling polar bears in size. However, as the climate changed, cats, dogs, and hyenas emerged as more adaptable predators, eventually displacing their ancient counterparts.

The Fayum region in Africa has been a treasure trove for paleontologists, offering insights into the origins of African ecosystems and the evolution of mammals. The valuable fossils found in Fayum cover a remarkable 15-million-year period, providing a glimpse into the ancient past.

This groundbreaking study is published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, offering a unique perspective on the intricate relationships between ancient predators and their environments across continents.