A recent study reveals that Australasia was once home to a diverse group of crocodilians known as mekosuchines, which thrived for over 50 million years before their extinction. Evidence from archaeological sites indicates a long coexistence between humans and modern crocodiles, while the fate of mekosuchines remains uncertain, possibly linked to human activities.

• 01Mekosuchines were apex predators in Australasia for over 50 million years, exhibiting diverse forms and habitats.
• 02Archaeological findings indicate that Indigenous Australians depicted crocodiles in rock art dating back around 20,000 years.
• 03Fossils of mekosuchines in Australia are primarily from over 40,000 years ago, with no evidence of human interaction.
• 04On islands like New Caledonia, some mekosuchine species survived until human settlement, suggesting possible direct encounters.
• 05The extinction of these ancient crocodiles may serve as a warning for current conservation efforts amid accelerating extinctions.

The extinction of ancient crocodilians highlights the importance of conservation efforts for remaining species, particularly in regions like Australia where biodiversity is under threat.