Approximately 30 million years ago, in the ancient landscape of Fayum, Egypt, the remains of a formidable predator were discovered—a skull that belonged to a creature at the top of the food chain. This apex predator wasn’t just any animal; it hunted early ancestors of hippos and elephants, and even posed a threat to our distant forebears.

The evolution of the families of cats and dogs spans from the time of the dinosaurs’ extinction to our present day. Initially, these animals were relatively small hunters, but over time, some evolved to occupy larger ecological roles. Nevertheless, sizable herbivores were not entirely safe, as they still faced dangers even while avoiding rivers teeming with crocodiles.

Introducing the hyaenodonts—the first significant carnivorous mammals that inhabited Africa. These fascinating creatures, ranging from small to large, played a pivotal role within their ecosystems. Recent findings have provided new insights into these ancient hunters.

Interestingly, hyaenodonts are not closely related to modern hyenas, despite the name suggesting a connection. They were named for their unique teeth, which bore a resemblance to those of hyenas. What set them apart were their specialized shearing blades positioned between molars. The uncovering of a 30-million-year-old fossil skull in Fayum has led to the identification of a new species called Bastet, named after the Egyptian goddess who symbolizes protection, pleasure, and health.

This new species, Bastetodon syrtos, was comparable in size to today’s leopards. It thrived during an era when monkeys and elephants roamed the earth and likely considered them as prey.

Further investigations unveiled intriguing similarities between Bastetodon and another hyaenodont species, Pterodon africanus. Both of these creatures share a close relationship with Falcatodon schlosseri, hinting at a shared lineage. This lineage of predators originated in Africa and eventually dispersed across various continents.

The research team also rebranded a previously discovered species as Sekhmetops africanus, honoring the lion-headed Egyptian goddess of war and wrath. These findings illuminate the diversity and evolutionary journey of hyaenodonts, highlighting their widespread distribution across the globe.

At their zenith, hyaenodonts were among the largest mammalian carnivores, rivaling the size of polar bears. However, as environmental conditions shifted, more adaptable predators like cats, dogs, and hyenas began to emerge, ultimately displacing these ancient giants.

The Fayum region has proven to be a rich resource for paleontologists, revealing vital clues about the origins of African ecosystems and the evolution of mammals. The fossils unearthed in this area span an impressive 15 million years, offering a fascinating look into the distant past.

This groundbreaking research has been published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, providing a fresh perspective on the intricate relationships that existed between ancient predators and their environments across different continents.