The Triassic red rocks of East Devon were laid down in a sun-drenched desert that stretched across the supercontinent Pangaea.
From a source high in the distant mountains, water flowed in fast-moving rivers and pooled in shallow lakes and ponds. At their margins, conifer trees and other plants grew in green groves, the perfect habitat for lizard-like reptiles and herds of grazing rhynchosaurs. But this oasis was hiding a deadly secret - something hid beneath the surface of the water … watching … waiting.
Temnospondyls were bizarre amphibians that resembled giant toads. The largest of these creatures could grow to the length of a small car. Lurking beneath the surface, they would hunt fish or ambush unwary grazers at the water’s edge.
They had sharp teeth designed to pierce and hold on to prey as it wriggled to get away. Unfortunately - or thankfully, for everyone that enjoys a quick dip in the water - temnospondyls were an evolutionary dead end and nothing like them exists today.
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
Stay updated and follow us
