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World’s oldest crocodile fossil discovered during walk on beach

Amateur fossil hunter Heather Salt discovered a rare Turnersuchus crocodile fossil during a guided walk on the Jurassic Coast. The find represents an exceptionally uncommon specimen of this ancient marine crocodylomorph.
Turnersuchus is a rare marine crocodylomorph known from very few examples worldwide. Its extreme scarcity makes each new specimen scientifically significant rather than merely exciting.
The Lyme Regis Museum holds several examples of this species, with only nine specimens of Turnersuchus known to exist globally. This extreme rarity underscores the discovery's paleontological importance.
Fossil walk guides emphasize the significance of such discoveries, teaching participants to identify and responsibly collect specimens along the coast. These educational walks transform casual visitors into informed amateur paleontologists.
Displaying such discoveries at the Lyme Regis Museum ensures the Jurassic Coast remains a vital research destination for paleontologists and amateur enthusiasts alike. Future finds will continue revealing this region's Mesozoic secrets.

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