The Discovery: Scientists have discovered a nearly complete skull of Bastetodon syrtos, a leopard-sized predator that inhabited Egypt's Fayum Depression 30 million years ago. Named after the cat-headed goddess Bastet, this formidable carnivore hunted early elephants, hippos, and primates.
Why It Matters: This finding offers valuable insights into the evolution of ancient carnivores and lends support to the theory that these predators originated in Africa before dispersing worldwide. The discovery contributes to understanding the changes in prehistoric ecosystems during significant climate shifts.