In Depth
Aldabrachampsus was a fairly small crocodile known to have been active around the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean during the Pleistocene period. It is believed that Aldabrachampsus came to Aldbara Atoll by migration because previously the atoll had been submerged for over one hundred thousand years. A possible source could be either Madagascar or Africa.
Because the remains of Aldabrachampsus are so incomplete, it is hard to say how Aldabrachampsus was related to modern crocodiles. Skull material suggests however that Aldabrachampsus was what is termed a ‘horned crocodile’. Another horned crocodile genus that lived in Madagascar during the Holocene is Voay.
Further Reading
- A new miniature horned crocodile from the Quaternary of Aldabra Atoll, western Indian Ocean - Christopher A. Brochu - 2006.
