Saharastega moradiensis
I sculpted this reconstruction in collaboration with paleontologist Chris Sidor, using the only known part of this species – the flattened skull of the type MNN MOR73 – as reference. Interpreted as living in a semi-arid environment, I gave this giant temnospondyl amphibian a leathery skin texture inspired by a modern toad.
The vertebrate fauna of the Upper Permian of Niger. V. The primitive temnospondyl Saharastega moradiensis
Ross Damiani, Christian A. Sidor, J. Sébastien Steyer, Roger M. H. Smith, Hans C. E. Larsson, Abdoulaye Maga, Oumarou Ide
Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology
Vol. 26, Iss. 3, 2006
Saharastega clip.mov