Fauna
Species

Proterosuchus fergusi

Proterosuchus fergusi

Also known as Chasmatosaurus

Proterosuchus fergusi stalked river margins and floodplains across Gondwana shortly after the catastrophic end-Permian extinction. Its distinctive downturned snout and sharp, recurved teeth were ideally adapted to seize amphibians and bulky synapsids like Lystrosaurus. With a sprawling to semi-erect posture, this agile archosauriform represents one of the crucial evolutionary steps leading toward crocodilians and dinosaurs.

CarnivorousPrehistoric
—observations
—countries
—peak records
ExtinctConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXExtinctRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyLystrosaurus murrayi, Early temnospondyl amphibians, Palaeoniscoid fish
ThreatsEnvironmental shifts and competitive replacement during the Early Triassic
HabitatsRiparian floodplains, riverbanks, and inland wetlands
Life span15–25 years
Classification
  1. FamilyProterosuchidae
  2. SpeciesProterosuchus fergusi
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Extinct taxon known only from fossils; safe to observe in museum collections.
Responsible observation
  • Museum Study: Look for the dramatically downturned premaxilla on fossil skulls.
  • Field Paleontology: Leave any Karoo Basin fossils undisturbed and notify heritage authorities.
Related species
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