I thought I would try to create a new suggestion for a possible expansion pack based on something John Hammond while speaking with Dr. Grant and Dr. Sattler for the first time in the first Jurassic Park movie. He says he has a site in Kenya, though Isla Nublar is more impressive than that one.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuVOi9sSBFA
(Look between 1:06-1:21 to see what I'm talking about.)
However, despite him saying that, at the end of Jurassic World Dominion we see some Sinoceratops walking with some elephants in a savannah biome.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCkcMXCv14w
(Look between 5:01-5:07)
I think it would be nice to see more locations added from outside of Europe and North America; and this is a good way to do that. It also would allow the developers to add a biome that is not currently available in the game: a grassland biome. Basically, for the story, following John Hammond's death, the park in Kenya was brought under INGEN's control and they started developing it, but they were unable to finish its development due financial limitations and damaged facilities caused by earthquakes. In 2023, the park manager is being brought in to capture the escaped animals, repair facilities, start developing the park into a successful tourist attraction.
Some locations I would recommend possibly using include:
Northern Zanzibar–Inhambane coastal forest mosaic
East African montane forests
Northern Acacia–Commiphora bushlands and thickets
Southern Acacia–Commiphora bushlands and thickets
East African mangroves
This pack could introduce bamboo, mangrove and bayou vegetation brushes; along with kelp, sea grasses, clams, oysters, sand dollars, and anemones marine vegetation brushes. (I thought it would be nice to have some marine vegetation brushes; even if it is just for decoration.) For new disasters, it would introduce earthquakes. For decorations, Dragon Blood trees, Baobab trees, and Monkey Puzzle trees would be added as individual plant decorations. The INGEN staff buildings, guest amenities, and attractions found there could be made based on Swahili architecture style found in places like Lamu, Kenya, Mombasa, Kenya, and the Zanzibar region in Tanzania. (Wikipedia has an article that talks about Swahili architecture.)
For new species to possibly include in this expansion, I would recommend:
Austroraptor, A genus of dromaeosaurid theropod dinosaur that lived during the Campanian and Maastrichtian ages of the Late Cretaceous period in what is now Argentina. Austroraptor was a large, moderately-built, ground-dwelling, bipedal carnivore, estimated at 5–6 m (16–20 ft) long. It is the largest dromaeosaur to be discovered in the Southern Hemisphere. They are believed to have been piscivores. The genus name Austroraptor means "Southern Thief," and is derived from the Latin word auster meaning "the south wind" and the Latin word raptor meaning "thief." The specific name cabazai was chosen in honor of Héctor "Tito" Cabaza, who founded the Museo Municipal de Lamarque where the specimen was partially studied. It was featured in Prehistoric Planet.
Inostrancevia, An extinct genus of large carnivorous therapsids who lived during the Late Permian in what is now European Russia and South Africa. The first known fossils of this gorgonopsian were discovered in the Northern Dvina, where two almost complete skeletons were exhumed. Inostrancevia is the biggest known gorgonopsian, the largest fossil specimens indicating an estimated size between 3 and 3.5 meters (9.8-11 feet) long.
Biarmosuchus, An extinct genus of biarmosuchian therapsids that lived around 267 mya during the Middle Permian period. It grew to be around the size of a large dog, around 1.5–2 meters (4.9-6.5 feet) in length. It was named for Bjarmaland, the name for the White Sea region in Old Norse literature.
Moschorhinus, An extinct genus of therocephalian, it was a carnivorous Synapsid found in the Late Permian to Early Triassic of the South African Karoo Supergroup. It is believed to have hunted like a big cat. Moschorhinus were the only large therocephalians. During the Triassic period, they were the largest therocephalians of their time. (Top left of image)
Tapinocephalus, A large herbivorous dinocephalian that lived during the Middle Permian Period in the South African Karoo. They could grow over 3 meters (10 feet) in length and massed around 1.5 to 2 tons (3,300 to 4,400 lb.).They are considered to be one of the largest animals alive during the time they lived; and it is believed they engaged in head butting either for mates and or to control territory, kind of like the Pachycephalosaurs.
Lisowicia, An extinct genus of giant dicynodont synapsid that lived in what is now Poland during the late Triassic period. Lisowicia is the largest known dicynodont, as well as the largest non-mammalian synapsid, and is estimated to have weighed between 5–6 tons, comparable in size to modern elephants. It was also one of the last dicynodonts, living shortly before their extinction at the end of the Triassic period. Lisowicia is unique amongst dicynodonts for its erect posture, with all four limbs held upright directly under its body. This is similar to the limbs of living mammals and dinosaurs, but unlike the sprawling and semi-erect postures typical of all other dicynodonts (and indeed all other non-mammalian synapsids), and shares many independently evolved features of its limbs with large mammals.
Masiakasaurus, a genus of small predatory noasaurid theropod dinosaurs from the Late Cretaceous of Madagascar. It was a small theropod, reaching 1.8–2.1 m (5.9–6.9 ft) long and weighing 20 kg (44 lb). Based on its unique teeth structure, it believed to have fed on small vertebrates, invertebrates, and possibly even fruits. In Malagasy, masiaka means "vicious"; thus, the genus name means "vicious lizard". The type species, Masiakasaurus knopfleri, was named after the musician Mark Knopfler, whose music inspired the expedition crew. If gets added I would recommend that the developers require it to have fruit vegetation in its enclosure, along with a meat or fish feeder.
Pelecanimimus, an extinct genus of basal ("primitive") ornithomimosaurian dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous of Spain. It is notable for possessing more teeth than any other member of the Ornithomimosauria, or any other theropod. It is thought to have been a piscivore. Some researchers have speculated that Pelecanimimus might have been capable of flight or be a recent descendant from a flying animal. The generic name is derived from Latin pelecanus, "pelican", and mimus, "mimic", in reference to the long snout and throat pouch. The specific name is a reference to the large number of teeth possessed by this theropod and is derived from Greek πολύς (polys), "many" and ὀδούς (odous) "tooth".
Mbiresaurus, An extinct genus of basal sauropodomorph dinosaur from the late Triassic period that was found in Pebbly Arkose Formation in Zimbabwe. It is known from a nearly complete skeleton. Mbiresaurus represents one of Africa’s earliest known definitive dinosaurs. The generic name, "Mbiresaurus", combines a reference to the Mbire district of Zimbabwe with the Latin "sauros", meaning "reptile". The specific name, "raathi", honors Michael Raath, one of the discoverers of the fossils, and his contributions to Zimbabwean paleontology.
Elaphrosaurus, A genus of ceratosaurian theropod dinosaur that lived approximately 154 to 150 million years ago during the Late Jurassic Period in what is now Tanzania in Africa. Elaphrosaurus was a medium-sized but lightly built member of the group that could grow up to 6.2 m (20 ft) long. Morphologically, this dinosaur is significant in two ways. Firstly, it has a relatively long body but is very shallow-chested for a theropod of its size. Secondly, it has very short hindlimbs in comparison with its body. It is thought that it likely hunted the small and swift ornithopod herbivores. However, newer research support the idea that Elaphrosaurus was either a herbivore or omnivore.
Megapnosaurus, An extinct genus of coelophysid theropod dinosaur that lived approximately 188 million years ago during the early part of the Jurassic Period in what is now Zimbabwe. It is estimated to have been 2.2 m (7.2 ft) long from nose to tail and weighed up to 13 kg (29 lb). If it gets added to the game, the developers should make sure it is smaller than Coelophysis. M. rhodesiensis was one of the first dinosaurs to be portrayed with feathers, though there is no direct evidence that it actually had feathers. Researchers suggested that members of the species may have hunted in packs, preying upon "prosauropods" (basal sauropodomorphs) and early lizards. Its name means big dead lizard, which is derived from the Greek words μεγα = "big", 'απνοος = "not breathing", "dead", and σαυρος = "lizard".
Eoabelisaurus, A genus of abelisaurid theropod dinosaur from the Lower Jurassic Cañadón Asfalto Formation of the Cañadón Asfalto Basin in Argentina, South America. The generic name combines a Greek ἠώς, (eos), "dawn", with the name Abelisaurus, in reference to the fact it represents an early relative of the latter. This abelisaurid species lived more than 40 million years prior to any of its other relatives in the early Jurassic period.
Spectrovenator, A genus of basal abelisaurid theropod dinosaur that lived during the early Cretaceous period recovered from the Quiricó Formation in Brazil. Its name means ghost hunter because the holotype was unexpectedly found under the holotype of Tapuiasaurus.
Ampelosaurus, a titanosaurian sauropod dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous Period of what is now France. It grew between 13.9 and 16 meters (46-52 feet) and weighed between 8 and 9.98 metric tons (8.8-11.00 short tons). It had armor in the form of osteoderms, which were plate, bulb, and spine-shaped. Ampelosaurus is derived from the Greek αμπελος, "the vine" and the Latinised Greek saurus, "reptile", meaning vineyard lizard, which is referring to the Blanquette de Limoux vineyard that is located on the south side of the region Ampelosaurus was found in.
Wintonotitan, a genus of titanosauriform dinosaur from the late Cretaceous period that was found in Winton Formation in Australia. It is known from partial postcranial remains. Some plants found in the environment during the time it was alive include ferns, ginkgoes, gymnosperms, and angiosperms based on fossils that were found in the area.
Malawisaurus, A genus of titanosaurian sauropod dinosaur known from the Dinosaur Beds of northern Malawi that lived during the early Cretaceous Period. It grew between 11 and 15 meters (36-49 feet), and weighed about 2.8 and 10 tons (3.1-11 short tons). Ossicles have been found which are believed to represent dermal scutes that covered it's skin.
Thecodontosaurus, A genus of herbivorous basal sauropodomorph dinosaur that lived during the late Triassic period. Its remains are known mostly from Triassic "fissure fillings" in South England. Thecodontosaurus was a small bipedal animal, about 2 m (6.5 ft) long. It is one of the first dinosaurs to be discovered and is one of the oldest that existed. Thecodontosaurus was the fifth dinosaur to ha been named. It's name is derived from Greek θήκή, thēkē, "socket", and οδους, odous, "tooth", a reference to the fact that the roots of the teeth were not fused with the jaw bone, as in present lizards, but positioned in separate tooth sockets. The specific name, "antiquus", means "ancient" in Latin.
Antetonitrus, a genus of sauropod dinosaur found in the Early Jurassic Elliot Formation of South Africa. The only species is Antetonitrus ingenipes. As one of the oldest known sauropods, it is crucial for the understanding of the origin and early evolution of this group. It was a quadrupedal herbivore, like all of its later relatives, but shows primitive adaptations to use the forelimbs for grasping, instead of purely for weight support. The holotype specimen may have measured 8–10 meters (26–33 ft.) in length and 5.6 metric tons (6.2 short tons) in body mass. The name is derived from the Latin ante- ("before") and tonitrus ("thunder"), which refers to its existence, before other known sauropods, specifically Brontosaurus ("thunder lizard"). The one known species of Antetonitrus is called A. ingenipes, from the Latin ingens ("massive") and pes ("foot"), because it shows the beginning of the development of feet designed solely to support weight.
Ledumahadi, A genus of lessemsaurid sauropodomorph dinosaur from the Early Jurassic Elliot Formation in Free State Province, South Africa. It weighed around 12 tons (13 short tons). It is believed that during the Early Jurassic epoch, Ledumahadi is thought to have been the largest land animal that had ever lived in that time.
Goronyosaurus, An extinct genus of marine lizard belonging to the mosasaur family. Fossils of Goronyosaurus are exclusively known from the late Cretaceous period of the Iullemmeden Basin in West Africa, specifically the Dukamaje Formation of Niger and Nigeria and Farin Doutchi Formation of Niger. Goronyosaurus possesses unique teeth, which are unlike the teeth of any other mosasaur. Instead of the cutting teeth common among mosasaurs, Goronyosaurus has straight teeth with rounded apices adapted for smashing food. It is estimated to have grown around 5.14 meters (16.9 feett) long. The generic name recognizes the Goronyo District of Nigeria, where the material was found.
Haasiasaurus, An extinct genus of early mosasaur, originally named "Haasia" by M. J. Polcyn et al., in honour of the palaeontologist Georg Haas. (The original name was a junior homonym of Haasia Bollman, 1893, a genus of millipedes.) Haasiasaurus was one of the oldest cenomanian mosasaur measuring 1 meter (3.3 feet) long. It was found 100 million years ago during the late Cretaceous period near Ein Yabrud, in the Palestinian West Bank, approximately 20 kilometers (12 mi) north of Jerusalem.
Angolasaurus, an extinct genus of mosasaur. Definite remains from this genus have been recovered from Angola, and possibly the United States, Brazil, and Niger. It grew to be about 4 meters (13 feet) in length and weighed 200 kg (440 lb.). Its wide geographic range make it the one of the only Turonian mosasaurs with a transatlantic range.
Tethysaurus, An extinct genus of tethysaurine mosasauroid from the late Cretaceous period. It grew to be around 3 m (9.8 ft) long and weighed 70 kg (150 lb). The name means "Tethys' lizard of Nopcsa", a reference to the Greek goddess of the sea Tethys and also the name of the Tethys Ocean, an ancient sea between southern Europe and northern Africa.
Sordes, A small pterosaur from the late Jurassic period Karabastau Svita of Kazakhstan. Fossil evidence has been found to show that they had hair-like feathers. The genus name is Latin for "filth" or "scum"; but Sharov translates it as "nechist", which means "devil" or "evil spirit", so the intended translation is "hairy devil." It is estimated to have had a 0.63 m (2 ft.) wingspan.
Rahonavis, A genus of bird-like theropods from the Late Cretaceous of what is now northwestern Madagascar. It is known from a partial skeleton found in Maevarano Formation rocks at a quarry near Berivotra, Mahajanga Province. It was originally the first African coelurosaur until the Nqwebasaurus was discovered in 2000. The name Rahonavis means, approximately, "cloud menace bird", from Malagasy rahona (RA-hoo-na, "cloud" or "menace") + Latin avis "bird". It is believed that Rahonavis was capable of powered flight, but this is still being debated.
(Look between 1:06-1:21 to see what I'm talking about.)
However, despite him saying that, at the end of Jurassic World Dominion we see some Sinoceratops walking with some elephants in a savannah biome.
(Look between 5:01-5:07)
I think it would be nice to see more locations added from outside of Europe and North America; and this is a good way to do that. It also would allow the developers to add a biome that is not currently available in the game: a grassland biome. Basically, for the story, following John Hammond's death, the park in Kenya was brought under INGEN's control and they started developing it, but they were unable to finish its development due financial limitations and damaged facilities caused by earthquakes. In 2023, the park manager is being brought in to capture the escaped animals, repair facilities, start developing the park into a successful tourist attraction.
Some locations I would recommend possibly using include:
Northern Zanzibar–Inhambane coastal forest mosaic
East African montane forests
Northern Acacia–Commiphora bushlands and thickets
Southern Acacia–Commiphora bushlands and thickets
East African mangroves
This pack could introduce bamboo, mangrove and bayou vegetation brushes; along with kelp, sea grasses, clams, oysters, sand dollars, and anemones marine vegetation brushes. (I thought it would be nice to have some marine vegetation brushes; even if it is just for decoration.) For new disasters, it would introduce earthquakes. For decorations, Dragon Blood trees, Baobab trees, and Monkey Puzzle trees would be added as individual plant decorations. The INGEN staff buildings, guest amenities, and attractions found there could be made based on Swahili architecture style found in places like Lamu, Kenya, Mombasa, Kenya, and the Zanzibar region in Tanzania. (Wikipedia has an article that talks about Swahili architecture.)
For new species to possibly include in this expansion, I would recommend:
Austroraptor, A genus of dromaeosaurid theropod dinosaur that lived during the Campanian and Maastrichtian ages of the Late Cretaceous period in what is now Argentina. Austroraptor was a large, moderately-built, ground-dwelling, bipedal carnivore, estimated at 5–6 m (16–20 ft) long. It is the largest dromaeosaur to be discovered in the Southern Hemisphere. They are believed to have been piscivores. The genus name Austroraptor means "Southern Thief," and is derived from the Latin word auster meaning "the south wind" and the Latin word raptor meaning "thief." The specific name cabazai was chosen in honor of Héctor "Tito" Cabaza, who founded the Museo Municipal de Lamarque where the specimen was partially studied. It was featured in Prehistoric Planet.
Inostrancevia, An extinct genus of large carnivorous therapsids who lived during the Late Permian in what is now European Russia and South Africa. The first known fossils of this gorgonopsian were discovered in the Northern Dvina, where two almost complete skeletons were exhumed. Inostrancevia is the biggest known gorgonopsian, the largest fossil specimens indicating an estimated size between 3 and 3.5 meters (9.8-11 feet) long.
Biarmosuchus, An extinct genus of biarmosuchian therapsids that lived around 267 mya during the Middle Permian period. It grew to be around the size of a large dog, around 1.5–2 meters (4.9-6.5 feet) in length. It was named for Bjarmaland, the name for the White Sea region in Old Norse literature.
Moschorhinus, An extinct genus of therocephalian, it was a carnivorous Synapsid found in the Late Permian to Early Triassic of the South African Karoo Supergroup. It is believed to have hunted like a big cat. Moschorhinus were the only large therocephalians. During the Triassic period, they were the largest therocephalians of their time. (Top left of image)
Tapinocephalus, A large herbivorous dinocephalian that lived during the Middle Permian Period in the South African Karoo. They could grow over 3 meters (10 feet) in length and massed around 1.5 to 2 tons (3,300 to 4,400 lb.).They are considered to be one of the largest animals alive during the time they lived; and it is believed they engaged in head butting either for mates and or to control territory, kind of like the Pachycephalosaurs.
Lisowicia, An extinct genus of giant dicynodont synapsid that lived in what is now Poland during the late Triassic period. Lisowicia is the largest known dicynodont, as well as the largest non-mammalian synapsid, and is estimated to have weighed between 5–6 tons, comparable in size to modern elephants. It was also one of the last dicynodonts, living shortly before their extinction at the end of the Triassic period. Lisowicia is unique amongst dicynodonts for its erect posture, with all four limbs held upright directly under its body. This is similar to the limbs of living mammals and dinosaurs, but unlike the sprawling and semi-erect postures typical of all other dicynodonts (and indeed all other non-mammalian synapsids), and shares many independently evolved features of its limbs with large mammals.
Masiakasaurus, a genus of small predatory noasaurid theropod dinosaurs from the Late Cretaceous of Madagascar. It was a small theropod, reaching 1.8–2.1 m (5.9–6.9 ft) long and weighing 20 kg (44 lb). Based on its unique teeth structure, it believed to have fed on small vertebrates, invertebrates, and possibly even fruits. In Malagasy, masiaka means "vicious"; thus, the genus name means "vicious lizard". The type species, Masiakasaurus knopfleri, was named after the musician Mark Knopfler, whose music inspired the expedition crew. If gets added I would recommend that the developers require it to have fruit vegetation in its enclosure, along with a meat or fish feeder.
Pelecanimimus, an extinct genus of basal ("primitive") ornithomimosaurian dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous of Spain. It is notable for possessing more teeth than any other member of the Ornithomimosauria, or any other theropod. It is thought to have been a piscivore. Some researchers have speculated that Pelecanimimus might have been capable of flight or be a recent descendant from a flying animal. The generic name is derived from Latin pelecanus, "pelican", and mimus, "mimic", in reference to the long snout and throat pouch. The specific name is a reference to the large number of teeth possessed by this theropod and is derived from Greek πολύς (polys), "many" and ὀδούς (odous) "tooth".
Mbiresaurus, An extinct genus of basal sauropodomorph dinosaur from the late Triassic period that was found in Pebbly Arkose Formation in Zimbabwe. It is known from a nearly complete skeleton. Mbiresaurus represents one of Africa’s earliest known definitive dinosaurs. The generic name, "Mbiresaurus", combines a reference to the Mbire district of Zimbabwe with the Latin "sauros", meaning "reptile". The specific name, "raathi", honors Michael Raath, one of the discoverers of the fossils, and his contributions to Zimbabwean paleontology.
Elaphrosaurus, A genus of ceratosaurian theropod dinosaur that lived approximately 154 to 150 million years ago during the Late Jurassic Period in what is now Tanzania in Africa. Elaphrosaurus was a medium-sized but lightly built member of the group that could grow up to 6.2 m (20 ft) long. Morphologically, this dinosaur is significant in two ways. Firstly, it has a relatively long body but is very shallow-chested for a theropod of its size. Secondly, it has very short hindlimbs in comparison with its body. It is thought that it likely hunted the small and swift ornithopod herbivores. However, newer research support the idea that Elaphrosaurus was either a herbivore or omnivore.
Megapnosaurus, An extinct genus of coelophysid theropod dinosaur that lived approximately 188 million years ago during the early part of the Jurassic Period in what is now Zimbabwe. It is estimated to have been 2.2 m (7.2 ft) long from nose to tail and weighed up to 13 kg (29 lb). If it gets added to the game, the developers should make sure it is smaller than Coelophysis. M. rhodesiensis was one of the first dinosaurs to be portrayed with feathers, though there is no direct evidence that it actually had feathers. Researchers suggested that members of the species may have hunted in packs, preying upon "prosauropods" (basal sauropodomorphs) and early lizards. Its name means big dead lizard, which is derived from the Greek words μεγα = "big", 'απνοος = "not breathing", "dead", and σαυρος = "lizard".
Eoabelisaurus, A genus of abelisaurid theropod dinosaur from the Lower Jurassic Cañadón Asfalto Formation of the Cañadón Asfalto Basin in Argentina, South America. The generic name combines a Greek ἠώς, (eos), "dawn", with the name Abelisaurus, in reference to the fact it represents an early relative of the latter. This abelisaurid species lived more than 40 million years prior to any of its other relatives in the early Jurassic period.
Spectrovenator, A genus of basal abelisaurid theropod dinosaur that lived during the early Cretaceous period recovered from the Quiricó Formation in Brazil. Its name means ghost hunter because the holotype was unexpectedly found under the holotype of Tapuiasaurus.
Ampelosaurus, a titanosaurian sauropod dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous Period of what is now France. It grew between 13.9 and 16 meters (46-52 feet) and weighed between 8 and 9.98 metric tons (8.8-11.00 short tons). It had armor in the form of osteoderms, which were plate, bulb, and spine-shaped. Ampelosaurus is derived from the Greek αμπελος, "the vine" and the Latinised Greek saurus, "reptile", meaning vineyard lizard, which is referring to the Blanquette de Limoux vineyard that is located on the south side of the region Ampelosaurus was found in.
Wintonotitan, a genus of titanosauriform dinosaur from the late Cretaceous period that was found in Winton Formation in Australia. It is known from partial postcranial remains. Some plants found in the environment during the time it was alive include ferns, ginkgoes, gymnosperms, and angiosperms based on fossils that were found in the area.
Malawisaurus, A genus of titanosaurian sauropod dinosaur known from the Dinosaur Beds of northern Malawi that lived during the early Cretaceous Period. It grew between 11 and 15 meters (36-49 feet), and weighed about 2.8 and 10 tons (3.1-11 short tons). Ossicles have been found which are believed to represent dermal scutes that covered it's skin.
Thecodontosaurus, A genus of herbivorous basal sauropodomorph dinosaur that lived during the late Triassic period. Its remains are known mostly from Triassic "fissure fillings" in South England. Thecodontosaurus was a small bipedal animal, about 2 m (6.5 ft) long. It is one of the first dinosaurs to be discovered and is one of the oldest that existed. Thecodontosaurus was the fifth dinosaur to ha been named. It's name is derived from Greek θήκή, thēkē, "socket", and οδους, odous, "tooth", a reference to the fact that the roots of the teeth were not fused with the jaw bone, as in present lizards, but positioned in separate tooth sockets. The specific name, "antiquus", means "ancient" in Latin.
Antetonitrus, a genus of sauropod dinosaur found in the Early Jurassic Elliot Formation of South Africa. The only species is Antetonitrus ingenipes. As one of the oldest known sauropods, it is crucial for the understanding of the origin and early evolution of this group. It was a quadrupedal herbivore, like all of its later relatives, but shows primitive adaptations to use the forelimbs for grasping, instead of purely for weight support. The holotype specimen may have measured 8–10 meters (26–33 ft.) in length and 5.6 metric tons (6.2 short tons) in body mass. The name is derived from the Latin ante- ("before") and tonitrus ("thunder"), which refers to its existence, before other known sauropods, specifically Brontosaurus ("thunder lizard"). The one known species of Antetonitrus is called A. ingenipes, from the Latin ingens ("massive") and pes ("foot"), because it shows the beginning of the development of feet designed solely to support weight.
Ledumahadi, A genus of lessemsaurid sauropodomorph dinosaur from the Early Jurassic Elliot Formation in Free State Province, South Africa. It weighed around 12 tons (13 short tons). It is believed that during the Early Jurassic epoch, Ledumahadi is thought to have been the largest land animal that had ever lived in that time.
Goronyosaurus, An extinct genus of marine lizard belonging to the mosasaur family. Fossils of Goronyosaurus are exclusively known from the late Cretaceous period of the Iullemmeden Basin in West Africa, specifically the Dukamaje Formation of Niger and Nigeria and Farin Doutchi Formation of Niger. Goronyosaurus possesses unique teeth, which are unlike the teeth of any other mosasaur. Instead of the cutting teeth common among mosasaurs, Goronyosaurus has straight teeth with rounded apices adapted for smashing food. It is estimated to have grown around 5.14 meters (16.9 feett) long. The generic name recognizes the Goronyo District of Nigeria, where the material was found.
Haasiasaurus, An extinct genus of early mosasaur, originally named "Haasia" by M. J. Polcyn et al., in honour of the palaeontologist Georg Haas. (The original name was a junior homonym of Haasia Bollman, 1893, a genus of millipedes.) Haasiasaurus was one of the oldest cenomanian mosasaur measuring 1 meter (3.3 feet) long. It was found 100 million years ago during the late Cretaceous period near Ein Yabrud, in the Palestinian West Bank, approximately 20 kilometers (12 mi) north of Jerusalem.
Angolasaurus, an extinct genus of mosasaur. Definite remains from this genus have been recovered from Angola, and possibly the United States, Brazil, and Niger. It grew to be about 4 meters (13 feet) in length and weighed 200 kg (440 lb.). Its wide geographic range make it the one of the only Turonian mosasaurs with a transatlantic range.
Tethysaurus, An extinct genus of tethysaurine mosasauroid from the late Cretaceous period. It grew to be around 3 m (9.8 ft) long and weighed 70 kg (150 lb). The name means "Tethys' lizard of Nopcsa", a reference to the Greek goddess of the sea Tethys and also the name of the Tethys Ocean, an ancient sea between southern Europe and northern Africa.
Sordes, A small pterosaur from the late Jurassic period Karabastau Svita of Kazakhstan. Fossil evidence has been found to show that they had hair-like feathers. The genus name is Latin for "filth" or "scum"; but Sharov translates it as "nechist", which means "devil" or "evil spirit", so the intended translation is "hairy devil." It is estimated to have had a 0.63 m (2 ft.) wingspan.
Rahonavis, A genus of bird-like theropods from the Late Cretaceous of what is now northwestern Madagascar. It is known from a partial skeleton found in Maevarano Formation rocks at a quarry near Berivotra, Mahajanga Province. It was originally the first African coelurosaur until the Nqwebasaurus was discovered in 2000. The name Rahonavis means, approximately, "cloud menace bird", from Malagasy rahona (RA-hoo-na, "cloud" or "menace") + Latin avis "bird". It is believed that Rahonavis was capable of powered flight, but this is still being debated.
