Science Daily has a story about a newly discovered Triassic reptile from the UK. The animal, Galahadosuchus jonesi, lived about 215 million years in what is now Gloucester, UK. It was probably a fast, land-dwelling predator. The animal was described in the paper “A second species of non‐crocodyliform crocodylomorph from the Late Triassic fissure deposits of southwestern UK: Implications for locomotory ecological diversity in Saltoposuchidae“, which was published in the journal The Anatomical Record.

Scientists have identified a new species of early crocodile relative from the Triassic period in Gloucester, UK. Unlike modern crocodiles, this animal lived entirely on land and had a body built for speed. With long, slender legs and a lightweight frame, it likely moved quickly through vegetation, hunting small reptiles, amphibians, and early mammals. At the time, this region was an elevated landscape surrounded by hot, dry plains.

The species name combines a nod to Arthurian legend with a personal tribute. The first part references Galahad, a knight known for his upright and noble character, reflecting the animal’s upright posture. The second part honors David Rhys Jones, a schoolteacher at Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi in Cardigan, Wales, who taught the study’s lead author.