Cairo:Fossils from the limestone formation used in constructing Egypt's Great Sphinx have been identified as belonging to a unique, extinct crocodilian species that existed approximately 45 million years ago.

According to Anadolu Agency, the species, named Herugavialis cairensis, lived in a shallow tropical sea that covered what is now northern Egypt. The fossils were discovered in the Mokattam Formation, a limestone deposit also containing remains of fish, sharks, and early whales. This formation provided stone for some of Egypt's most famous monuments, including the Great Sphinx and the Giza pyramids.

The most significant find, a nearly complete skull unearthed in the 1920s, was initially thought to belong to the Tomistoma genus. However, through CT scans and comparisons of over 300 features with other crocodilians, researchers determined it belonged to a separate genus. The name Herugavialis combines "Heru," a name for the Egyptian god Horus, with a term related to gharials, and "cairensis" reflects its link to Cairo.

Interestingly, the skull is missing the end of its snout, reminiscent of the Great Sphinx's missing nose. "Given this coincidence with the famously missing nose of the Great Sphinx, we decided to name the new crocodile after the Egyptian god Heru, who was possibly the inspiration for this iconic monument," explained study co-leader Philip Mannion from University College London.

Gharials, known for their long, narrow snouts, have only two surviving species today, found in South and Southeast Asia. However, their fossil record indicates a much broader historical range, including marine environments. The identification of Herugavialis cairensis supports evidence of several gharial species inhabiting the Mediterranean region over millions of years, contributing to understanding their evolutionary history.