A significant discovery was made near Presidente Prudente in São Paulo, where scientists found 83 fossilized eggs of crocodile ancestors, estimated to be between 86 and 83 million years old from the Cretaceous period. The eggs were documented in an article published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, co-authored by both Brazilian and foreign researchers. These eggs belong to crocodyliforms, a group that gave rise to modern crocodiles and various extinct species.

The fossils were discovered between 2020 and 2022 within the Adamantina Formation of the Bauru Basin at the José Martin Suárez paleontological site. Remarkably, parts of the eggshells were preserved, allowing researchers to identify the group to which these eggs belong. The eggs range in size, with approximately six centimeters in length and 3.4 centimeters in diameter, and were found in three clusters within the rock formations—one with 15 eggs, another with 21, and the largest containing 47 eggs.

This discovery provides valuable insights into the evolution of crocodiles and their relatives, portraying a fascinating snapshot of ancient ecosystems. The findings contribute significantly to the field of vertebrate paleontology and may lead to further explorations into the history of species that dominated Earth millions of years ago. As researchers continue to study these fossils, they hope to elucidate the life and environment of these prehistoric creatures.