Approximately 250 million years ago, the remarkable ancestors of modern-day salamanders embarked on an extraordinary journey, swimming from what is now the Norwegian Arctic all the way to the western coast of Australia.
This incredible voyage eventually led to the discovery of their fossils, which were initially misidentified by paleontologists. Over time, these fossils traveled across the globe, mirroring the ancient amphibian’s migratory patterns, only to be stored away and largely forgotten.
In a delightful twist of fate, the ancient amphibian known as Aphaneramma has now been reunited with its homeland, providing Australian scientists with a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the evolutionary history of these fascinating marine creatures.
“Aphaneramma has a crocodile-like head, a body reminiscent of a giant salamander, and sharp, pointed teeth. It would have been a highly effective predator in the water,” shared Lachlan Hart, a paleontology lecturer at the University of New South Wales.
The fossils were originally discovered in 1960 at Noonkanbah Station, situated about 1,500 miles north of Perth in the stunning region of Kimberly—characterized by its iconic Australian Outback scenery, complete with rugged trees, red rocks, and sprawling scrubland.
Initially classified as Temnospondyls and named Erythrobatrachus, it was later realized that the fossils contained two distinct species that had been inadvertently mixed together.
Although there were hints of this revelation, the fossils were shipped to various institutions worldwide and ultimately lost to time. Decades later, they resurfaced in the United States, where researchers fortuitously discovered them and realized Dr. Hart and his team were already investigating similar specimens.
When approached by the American museum staff, who inquired if he had been “looking for these,” Dr. Hart reflected on the serendipitous nature of the find, emphasizing the importance of being open to unexpected discoveries.
“Temnospondyls are a crucial group of animals as they managed to endure two of the five major mass extinction events in Earth’s history,” Dr. Hart noted, highlighting their resilience during even the most catastrophic periods, including the largest event that eradicated approximately 90% of all living organisms.
This remarkable rediscovery not only sheds light on the past but also fosters excitement and curiosity about our planet’s ancient inhabitants. Share this uplifting story with your friends and inspire them with the wonders of our natural history!
