Revision of the large crocodyliform Kansajsuchus (Neosuchia) from the Late Cretaceous of Central Asia

In the present paper, we provide a comprehensive revision of the large-sized neosuchians Kansajsuchus and 'Turanosuchus' from the Late Cretaceous of Central Asia. Kansajsuchus extensus from the Kansai locality of the Yalovach Formation, Tadzhikistan, is confirmed as a valid taxon. Previously hypothesized goniopholidid affinities of Kansajsuchus are not supported. Our phylogenetic analyses found this taxon as a derived member of the family-level taxon Paralligatoridae. With a dorsal cranial length of 70-80 cm and a total body length reaching 5-7 m, Kansajsuchus extensus is among the largest known paralligatorids and derived neosuchians in general. The large-sized neosuchian from the Shakh Shakh locality of the Bostobe Formation, Kazakhstan, previously identified as Kansajsuchus spp., 'Turanosuchus aralensis', or Neosuchia indet. with allegedly goniopholidid affinities, is a paralligatorid closely related to K. extensus. The taxonomic composition, internal relationships and geographical distribution of Paralligatoridae are reconsidered. Paralligatoridae is an endemic clade from the Cretaceous of Asia comprising four recognized genera (Paralligator, Shamosuchus, Rugosuchus and Kansajsuchus), which is characterized by the unique suite of osteodermal features (paravertebral osteoderms with high dorsal keels restricted to posterior margins, arranged in more than two rows and lacking anterolateral processes).