What is austroraptor?

Austroraptor: A Southern Raptor

Austroraptor cabazai was a large theropod dinosaur belonging to the Unenlagiinae subfamily of dromaeosaurids. Its fossils have been found in the Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) Allen Formation of Argentina.

• Discovery and Naming: It was named and described by Fernando E. Novas, Diego Pol, and colleagues in 2008. The genus name, Austroraptor, means "southern raptor," referring to its location in the Southern Hemisphere. The specific name, cabazai, honors Héctor "Lito" Cabaza, who discovered the holotype specimen.

• Size and Appearance: Austroraptor was one of the largest dromaeosaurids known, estimated to have reached around 5-6 meters (16-20 feet) in length. It had a relatively long, low snout compared to other dromaeosaurids, giving it a more slender, almost crocodilian appearance. Its arms were proportionally short for a dromaeosaurid, suggesting a potentially different role for them compared to other raptors.

• Feathers: While direct fossil evidence of feathers is lacking for Austroraptor, its close relationship to other dromaeosaurids, many of which have feather impressions, strongly suggests it was also feathered.

• Classification: Austroraptor is classified within the Dromaeosauridae family and more specifically within the Unenlagiinae subfamily, a group of dromaeosaurids primarily found in South America. The exact placement within Unenlagiinae has been debated, but it is generally considered a relatively basal member.

• Paleoecology: Austroraptor lived in what is now Argentina during the Late Cretaceous, sharing its environment with other dinosaurs, including sauropods, ornithopods, and other theropods. It was likely an active predator, potentially hunting smaller dinosaurs and other animals. Its unusual snout and relatively weak bite force compared to other dromaeosaurids suggest it may have employed a different hunting strategy, perhaps focusing on smaller or more vulnerable prey.