Scientists have discovered a new species of leopard-size apex predator, Bastetodon syrtos, which lived around 30 million years ago in the Egyptian desert. The skull was unearthed in the Jebel Qatrani Formation, about 60 miles from Cairo, and is believed to be one of the most significant discoveries in understanding the diversity and evolution of hyaenodonts.
The ancient predator was a hypercarnivore, with a diet consisting of more than 70% meat. Its skull features a short, cat-like snout and powerful jaw capable of dismembering prey. The fossil has multiple sets of blade-like teeth, unlike many modern carnivores which have specialized shearing teeth.
The discovery prompted the researchers to reanalyze older samples of lion-size hyaenodonts discovered in the same region over 120 years ago. These samples are now classified as a different species, Sekhmetops, due to key differences from Bastetodon syrtos.
Bastetodon syrtos likely fed on ancient relatives of modern-day hippos, elephants, and primates. The fossil dates back to a time when the region was wetter than it is today.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/animals/extinct-species/a-set-of-large-teeth-sticking-out-of-the-ground-scientists-reveal-ancient-hypercarnivore-discovered-in-egyptian-desert