Context: A new species of the now-extinct Vishnuonyx genus was found in Germany. Here’s all about the mysterious giant otter.

• Between 12.5 million and 14 million years ago, members of a genus of otters called Vishnuonyx lived in the major rivers of southern Asia.

Vishnuonyx neptuni

• Vishnuonyx were mid-sized predators that weighed, on average, 10-15 kg.
• Before this, the genus was known only in Asia and Africa (recent findings show that Vishnuonyx reached East Africa about 12 million years ago, according to the release).
• Vishnuonyx depended on water and could not travel long distances over land.

Why in news?

• German researchers have discovered the fossil of a previously unknown species, which they have named Vishnuonyx neptuni, meaning ‘Neptune’s Vishnu’.
• Fossils of these now extinct otters were first discovered in sediments found in the foothills of the Himalayas.
• Now, a newly found fossil indicates it had travelled as far as Germany. ‘
• The dispersal of Vishnuonyx otters from the Indian subcontinent to Africa and Europe about 13 million years ago. ‘
• This is the first discovery of any member of the Vishnuonyx genus in Europe; it is also its most northern and western record till date.

How did it travel as far as Europe?

• According to the researchers, its travels over 6,000 km were probably made possible by the geography of 12 million years ago, when the Alps were recently formed.
• These Alps and the Iranian Elbrus Mountains were separated by a large ocean basin, which would have made it easier for the otters to cross it.
• Researchers believe ‘Neptune’s Vishnu’ first reached southern Germany, followed by Ancient Guenz and eventually, the Hammerschmiede.