Osteolaemus fossil map
Where fossils of Osteolaemus have been found, shown on the Earth as it looked about 5 million years ago and on today’s map.
Dots are fossil collections recorded in the Paleobiology Database. The “then” view moves today’s fossil sites back to their positions 5 million years ago (the time slice nearest the median age of the fossils) using the Merdith et al. (2021) plate model; positions are approximate. Open on the timeline map →
| Group | Crocodile relatives |
|---|---|
| Lived | 11.63–3.6 million years ago (Tortonian to Zanclean) |
| Periods | Neogene |
| Family | Crocodylidae |
| Named by | Cope 1860 |
| Fossil records | 5 occurrences at 4 locations (PBDB) |
| Found in | Uganda, DR Congo, Senegal |
| Rock formations | Nkondo, Kakara, Nkondo/Warwire, Sinda Beds, txn:38435 |
About Osteolaemus
Osteolaemus (from Ancient Greek όστεον (ósteon), meaning "bone", and λαιμός (laimós), meaning "throat") is a genus of crocodiles. They are small, secretive crocodiles that occur in wetlands of West and Middle Africa. They are commonly known as the African dwarf crocodiles. Unlike other crocodiles, Osteolaemus are strictly nocturnal.
Text in “About” is quoted from the Wikipedia article Osteolaemus (revision 1373775266), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0; introduction excerpted verbatim, formatting removed. Ages, family, authority and fossil records: Paleobiology Database, accessed 23 October 2026. Ages are those of the rock layers the fossils were found in. Wikidata: Q2233478.
