Baru facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Baru Temporal range: Late Oligocene - Middle Miocene
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Crocodilia
Family:	Crocodylidae
Subfamily:	†Mekosuchinae
Genus:	†Baru Willis et al., 1990
Species
†B. darrowi Wilis et al., 1990 (type species) †B. huberi Willis, 1997 †B. wickeni Willis, 1997

Baru was an extinct type of crocodile that lived in Australia. It was a semi-aquatic animal, meaning it spent time both in water and on land. These ancient crocodiles were quite large, growing to about 4 meters (13 feet) long.

B. darrowi (back, surfacing), and Harpacochampsa (front)

Baru lived in wet forests, often near fresh water pools. They would wait hidden to ambush their prey, much like modern crocodiles do today. The name Baru comes from an Aboriginal word that means "crocodile's ancestor."

Scientists have found Baru fossils in Australia. Important fossil sites include Riversleigh in north-western Queensland and Alcoota Station in the Northern Territory.

What Kinds of Baru Were There?

There are three known species of Baru. Each one is named by scientists.

• The B. darrowi species: This is the most famous type of Baru. Its fossils have been found in the Middle Miocene period in the Northern Territory. It was the largest species, reaching 4 to 5 meters (13 to 16 feet) in length. This species was named after an English actor, Paul Darrow.

• The B. huberi and B. wickeni species: These two species are older than B. darrowi. Their fossils come from the Late Oligocene period. They were found in the Etadunna Formation in Queensland.