Extinct 'Horned' Crocodile Gets New Place in the Tree of Life

A crocodile is pictured at the Nairobi National Park outside
the Kenyan capital Nairobi April 6, 2015. Reuters.
A crocodile is pictured at the Nairobi National Park outside the Kenyan capital Nairobi April 6, 2015. Reuters.
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Extinct 'Horned' Crocodile Gets New Place in the Tree of Life

A crocodile is pictured at the Nairobi National Park outside
the Kenyan capital Nairobi April 6, 2015. Reuters.
A crocodile is pictured at the Nairobi National Park outside the Kenyan capital Nairobi April 6, 2015. Reuters.

New research has resolved a long-standing controversy about an extinct 'horned' crocodile that likely lived among humans in Madagascar.

Based on ancient DNA, the study shows that the horned crocodile was closely related to 'true' crocodiles, including the famous Nile crocodile, but on a separate branch of the crocodile family tree.

The study contradicts recent scientific thinking and also suggests that the ancestor of modern crocodiles likely originated in Africa.

The arrival of modern humans in Madagascar between about 9,000 and 2,500 years ago preceded the extinction of many of the island's large animals, including giant tortoises, elephant birds, dwarf hippos, and several lemur species.

One lesser-known extinction that occurred during this period was that of an endemic "horned" crocodile known as Voay robustus.

Early explorers to Madagascar noted that Malagasy peoples consistently referred to two types of crocodiles on the island: a large robust crocodile and a more gracile form with a preference for rivers. This suggests that both types persisted until very recently, but only the gracile form, now recognized as an isolated population of the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus), is currently found on the island.

Despite nearly 150 years of investigation, the position of the horned crocodile in the tree of life has remained controversial. In the 1870s, it was first described as a new species within the "true crocodile" group, which includes the Nile, Asian, and American crocodiles.

Then, in the early part of the 20th century, it was thought that the specimens simply represented very old Nile crocodiles.

In 2007, a study based on physical characteristics of the fossil specimens concluded that the horned crocodile was actually not a true crocodile, but in the group that includes dwarf crocodiles.



Jeddah Season 2025 Launches Summer Entertainment Program

The program combines entertainment, culture, and tourism across several main destinations that include the city’s most iconic landmarks and key facilities - SPA
The program combines entertainment, culture, and tourism across several main destinations that include the city’s most iconic landmarks and key facilities - SPA
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Jeddah Season 2025 Launches Summer Entertainment Program

The program combines entertainment, culture, and tourism across several main destinations that include the city’s most iconic landmarks and key facilities - SPA
The program combines entertainment, culture, and tourism across several main destinations that include the city’s most iconic landmarks and key facilities - SPA

The integrated summer program of Jeddah Season 2025 officially launched under the theme “Jeddah is Different.”

The program combines entertainment, culture, and tourism across several main destinations that include the city’s most iconic landmarks and key facilities.

This launch aligns with the Kingdom’s efforts to realize the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 by diversifying entertainment offerings and enhancing the quality of life for citizens, residents, and visitors alike, SPA reported.

At Jeddah Waterfront’s “Jeddah Promenade,” the opening night featured dazzling drone shows, roaming performances, and interactive entertainment characters, offering families and visitors a visually engaging experience. Meanwhile, the “Western Coast” event kicked off in the Obhur area, delivering a unique beach experience that runs until October 4.

The event offers a variety of safe, family-friendly activities including a ladies-only beach, water sports, and live artistic performances, creating a complete coastal entertainment experience catering to all age groups.

In parallel, the “Jeddah Shopping Festival,” which runs through August 31, is transforming the city into a vibrant commercial destination. It features hotel and transportation discounts, live shows, weekly giveaways, and promotional activities across major shopping centers.

Jeddah Season reflects a commitment to offering a comprehensive tourism experience that supports the goals of Vision 2030. It contributes to diversifying entertainment options, stimulating investment, enhancing Jeddah’s global standing as a premier tourism destination, and driving economic, cultural, and tourism growth.