Fijian Terrestrial Crocodile (Volia athollandersoni)

The Fijian Terrestrial Crocodile was described in 2002 based on numerous fossil or subfossil remains that were excavated on the island of Viti Levu. It was a member of the Mekosuchinae, a now extinct subfamily of rather strange, smaller crocodylians most of which were terrestrial animals and some obviously even tree-dwellers.

The Fijian species reached a size of 2 to 3 m and thus was the largest terrestrial carnivore and most likely preyed upon other large reptiles like iguanas and birds.

The Fijian Terrestrial Crocodile very likely was a favorite hunting target of the first humans and was soon completely eradicated. [1]

*********************

References:

[1] R. E. Molnar; T. Worthy; P. M. A. Willis: An extinct Pleistocene endemic Mekosuchine Crocodylian from Fiji. Journal of Vertebrate Paelontology 22(3): 612-628. 2002

*********************  

edited: 04.10.2020