Giant prehistoric mammal jaw fossil found in Madhya Pradesh
The 65-lakh-year-old fossil was exposed by river erosion in the Narmada Valley's Raisen district.
A fossilised lower jaw belonging to a massive prehistoric elephant-like creature has been discovered in the Narmada Valley of Madhya Pradesh's Raisen district, according to Rediff. The specimen, which is estimated to be 65 lakh years old, was uncovered by river erosion near Patai village in Deori tehsil.
The fossil is believed to belong to the extinct Stegodon namadicus species. This herbivore stood approximately 3.2 metres (10.5 feet) tall at the shoulder and weighed about 7.5 metric tonnes. It featured distinctive teeth with raised enamel ridges and plate-like molar structures for chewing vegetation.
A four-member team from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) visited the site on Friday to inspect the structure and the surrounding area. The team, which included geologist Hasan Mazaj, travelled from Bhopal to examine the find.
P.K. Kathal, a retired senior professor of Sagar University, said the discovery could offer insights into prehistoric life, the ancient environment of the Narmada Valley, and human evolution. He noted that Stegodon namadicus lived in central India during the Middle to Late Pleistocene period.
Deori tehsil Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Ankit Jain stated that the GSI team is expected to submit a report to senior officials soon. This report will help clarify the scientific identification and historical importance of the fossil.