Expanded Carnivore Profiles
Not mandatory to read, just for fun! Written by real paleontologists :)
ECOLGICAL NICHE: SMALL TERRESTRIAL CARNIVORES (SCROLL LEFT/RIGHT)
Deinonychus (1 slot)
Deinonychus, the “terrible claw”, may be one of Gondwa’s smallest predators weighing less than 100 kg and reaching a length of about 3 meters (10 ft), but it was likely an efficient and deadly predator belonging to a group of theropods called dromaeosaurs which were feathered and very bird-like. Social behavior has been hard to determine in the fossil record despite its stereotype as a “pack hunter.”
Social: Nat Hist Researchers have observed a wide range of social behaviors including individuals, mated pairs, family groups, and cooperative flocks of up to 10 adults/subadults, and they have even been seen forming opportunistic alliances with Latenivenatrix, which are troodontids (Latens count toward group limit). Though this is dependent on the population. They have been seen being aggressive toward Latenivenatrix as well.
Individual Deinonychus have also been seen being opportunistic scouts for Tyrannosaurus where they do not take part in the hunting, but reap the shared food rewards after a successful hunt–not too dissimilar from wolves and ravens.
Hunting: When in a large flock or pack (8-10), they have been observed going after very large herbivores and individual apex carnivores. Medium-sized packs with 5-7 members are able to hunt up to large prey. Small packs and pairs (2-4) prefer to hunt burrowing animals and up to medium-sized prey. Individual Deinonychus tend to focus on small prey or burrowing animals exclusively. They are focused predators and have been seen continuing to hunt after losing a member, but flee after losing two.
Nesting: We have observed Deinonychus building their nests in rocky areas, especially cliffs, as well as small caves, and raise their chicks as mated pairs or large social flocks.
Other: When not hungry and don’t have chicks to keep safe, Deinonychus can be quite relaxed and social around other species. Not too dissimilar from passerine birds.
ECOLOGICAL NICHE: MEDIUM TERRESTRIAL CARNIVORES (SCROLL LEFT/RIGHT)
Achillobator (3 slots)
Achillobator measured around 5 m (16 ft) in length and weighed between 250–350 kg (550–770 lb). It is a large dromaeosaurid theropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous Period, and the largest dromaeosaur on Gondwa. Natural Historians are impressed by its size and large stature that allows it to hunt and bring down comparatively large prey.
Social: Achillobator are highly social creatures that like to live in mated pairs or family groups of up to 3 adults/subadults.
Hunting: We have observed that its social behavior varies, with some individuals hunting in cooperation with the fellow dromaeosaur Deinonychus. A pack of 3 Achillobator are capable of taking down up to very large herbivores. Pairs are more cautious, and focus mainly on large prey. Individual Achillobator will hunt only small and medium prey.
However, if a lone Achillobator is fortunate enough to join a pack of Deinonychus, their hunting behavior changes. Being fast and agile enough to keep up with their smaller cousins, the added strength allows a pack of 4 to hunt up to large prey. A pack with 5-6 members can even bring down very large herbivores. Large packs with 7-8 members are intimidating enough to scare off individual apex carnivores, and have even been observed to hunt them on occasion. The success of these hunts relies on the strength of the Achillobator that can restrain larger prey items, so if it falls during a hunt, the pursuit is quickly abandoned by the smaller dromaeosaurs. If one Deinonychus falls in a hunt, the pack will usually continue until the prey is brought down or another pack member is lost.
Nesting: Achilobator prefer warm and dry places, so naturally their nests can be found in rocky areas and around cave systems.
Other: Achillobator are inquisitive by nature. When not hungry, they may even be sociable and playful with other animals. Achillobator may be large by dromaeosaur standards, but they are constantly on the lookout for potential threats. These dromaeosaurs have been observed to choose unusual locations to sleep, such as cliff ledges or large rocks. Nat Hist Researchers are still debating whether they do this to be safe from other carnivores, or simply because of their adventurous temperament.
Astonishingly, Nat Hist Researchers have discovered that lone Achillobator chicks may occasionally appear in Deinonychus nests, where they will be cared for and raised amongst their smaller cousins. It is thought that adult Deinonychus are accepting of Achillobator chicks due to their plumage mimicry of juvenile Deinonychus.
ECOLOGICAL NICHE: LARGE TERRESTRIAL CARNIVORES (SCROLL LEFT/RIGHT)
Allosaurus (3 slots)
Allosaurus is one of the most well-known dinosaurs, known from countless fossils, mostly from the famous Jurassic Morrison Formation of North America. Around 8 to 10 meters long (26 - 32 ft), they were formidable predators with lethal bites and the benefit of long clawed hands.
Social: Though fossils have been found in bone beds, actual social behavior has been hard to deduce from the fossil record. Allosaurus, Nat Hist Researchers have observed, tolerate each other in family groups of up to 3 adults/subadults, but are more commonly seen solitary or in mated pairs.
Hunting: Packs (3) of Allosaurus are able to hunt up to very large prey and individual apex carnivores. When in a pair, they can attempt to take down very large individual herbivores, but pairs are most often seen going after like-size large or smaller prey, including their own species. Individuals tend to focus on individual large prey but often go after medium and small prey for safety, even resorting to cannibalism of young (hatchling-adolescent) Allosaurus. They are cautious of like-size packs and adult and subadult apex carnivores.
Nesting: Allosaurus tend to nest in forest clearings, using the surrounding trees for natural cover against larger carnivores that can’t easily follow them into the dense trees. Female Allosaurus raise their young alone or with a partner.
Other: Nat Hist Researchers have observed that Allosaurus are very amenable to eating from carrion compared to other like-size carnivores, which corroborates the inferences drawn from the fossil record of mass death sites/assemblages of Allosaurus. These individuals may have been drawn to carrion in natural predator traps and died of exhaustion.
ECOLOGICAL NICHE: APEX TERRESTRIAL CARNIVORES (SCROLL LEFT/RIGHT)
Acrocanthosaurus
(5 slots)
Acrocanthosaurus is named the ''high spined lizard'' due to the tall neural spines of the vertebrae of its back, hips, and tail. This carcharodontosaurid was one of the largest theropods, reaching 11.5 meters (38 ft) in length and weighing up to 6.5 tons. It was roaming modern-day North America during the Early Cretaceous.
Acrocanthosaurus' long jaw is typical for an allosauroid, being full of serrated teeth that it most likely used to slice and tear its victim's muscles, making them unable to escape.
Social: Acrocanthosaurus are not social and barely tolerate others of their kind. Occasionally though, when they form mated pairs, they become highly loyal and protective over their young. Acrocanthosaurus hatchlings are feisty, often caught nibbling at their parents and siblings, testing their blade-like teeth.
Hunting: Acrocanthosaurus are not the best runners, so they choose to hunt from an ambush and when alone, they hunt large and sometimes individual very large herbivores and individual apex carnivores.
In pairs, they are able to hunt groups of very large herbivores and apex carnivores. Acrocanthosaurus are strong enough to take down any carnivores smaller than them, including packs of large and medium carnivores (if they are able to capture them).
Nesting: Acrocanthosaurus are often looking for secluded places for their nests. They prefer deep, peaceful woodlands, around glades or rivers where an abundance of other life is always close by. The young are raised by individuals or pairs of adults and subadults.
Other: Acrocanthosaurus are not very social and it particularly dislike Tyrannosaurus. Thus; this large theropod is rarely seen around favourite hunting areas of Tyrannosaurus.
ECOLOGICAL NICHE: FLYING CARNIVORES (SCROLL LEFT/RIGHT)
Hatzegopteryx
(4 slots, large carnivore)
Hatzegopteryx is a large azdarchid pterosaur known from Maastrichtian Europe possessing a nearly 12 meter (40 ft) wingspan. It had a large and robust skull indicating it was likely a macropredator. There's even debate as to whether or not it could fly, but its wing bones matched that of other large pterosaurs indicating it still had such a key ability. It also had a very strong neck compared to other pterosaurs, its neck vertebrae constituting half its skeletal weight.
Social: Hatzegopteryx usually prefer a solitary lifestyle although Nat Hist Researchers have occasionally observed long-term pair bonds and coalitions between individuals that live and travel together (2 adults/subadults).
Hunting: Hatzegopteryx is a terrestrial predator - Its long and powerful legs mean that it is easily capable of chasing down most smaller animals, snapping up young and small prey that are unable to find cover in time. However, it is not an uncommon sight for these giants of the sky to hunt up to individual large-sized prey, and pairs have been observed to hunt groups of large animals, as well as challenging individual apex carnivores for their kills. A well-coordinated pair of Hatzegopteryx are even capable of bringing down an individual very large herbivore, though they will stay clear of the long whip tails of adult Argentinosaurus. They have also been observed to be cannibalistic, preying on adolescent and younger Hatzegopteryx.
Nesting: Hatzegopteryx dig their nests in the soft and damp soil of forest floors, keeping their soft-shelled eggs sheltered from the sun and potential predators. Hatzegopteryx will usually raise their flaplings as pairs, and both single females and mated pairs can raise up to four flaplings in a single brood.
Other: Many Hatzegopteryx of Gondwa have been observed to be very territorial towards Quetzalcoatlus that get too close to their preferred hunting grounds and nesting sites. Their terrestrial adaptations mean they are easily capable of standing their ground at a kill, and they are frequently successful in harassing and bullying smaller pterosaurs and dinosaurs off their kills. Still, as with all pterosaurs, most of their bones are thin-walled and easily injured in an intense fight. But Hatzegopteryx has found a solution: Their strong necks allow them to lift smaller prey up into the air to drop them from great heights, eliminating the need for a dangerous struggle.
ECOLOGICAL NICHE: SEMI-AQUATIC/AQUATIC CARNIVORES (SCROLL LEFT/RIGHT)
Deinosuchus
(5 slots, apex carnivore)
Deinosuchus, the “terrible crocodile”, ruled the rivers and coastal regions of the Western Interior Seaway during the Late Cretaceous. Although Deinosuchus fossils are very fragmentary, scientists were able to determine that this animal was very similar to modern alligators and caimans – and the largest specimens may have reached impressive lengths of around 12 meters (40 ft).
Social: Deinosuchus are frequently seen alone or in mated pairs (2 adults/subadults). When alone, they can be quite aggressive toward other Deinosuchus, which are viewed as competitors. These conflicts are especially common among males.
Hunting: When ready to hunt, Deinosuchus slips underwater and patiently waits for unsuspecting prey to arrive at the water’s edge or in the water, lunging out with terrifying bone-crushing force and speed. It is able to hunt anything it can wrap its jaws around. Even the mighty Tyrannosaurus steps carefully around water in fear of this giant. Deinosuchus will also take advantage of hunts or fights between terrestrial dinosaurs that stray too close to the water’s edge. They are commonly cannibalistic, often preying on smaller Deinosuchus.
Nesting: Female Deinosuchus build their nests along vegetated swamps and riverbanks. They are fiercely protective of their eggs and newly hatched young, but this instinct quickly wears off once the hatchlings reach adolescence. Adult males may tolerate young that were born inside their own territory when enough prey is available.
Other: Deinosuchus tend to avoid salt water. While tolerating it for short periods of time, such as when traveling or escaping potential predators, prolonged exposure can lead to dehydration and potential illnesses. Deinosuchus are also very tolerant of Spinosaurus and even Sarcosuchus, not bothering adults of these species unless competition for space is high.