Dinosaurs in Madagascar (Part two)
From the last in this series we were able to identify that Madagascar has an important role in the history and development of Dinosaurs. It is one of the most important hotspots for further probing into the life and times of these great beasts that once roamed the earth. The hotspot within Madagascar hat had been a source of many of these discoveries is the Mahajanga Basin
In the previous installment of this article we looked at three of these types that have been discovered in Madagascar.
The Majungasuarus – Discovered in the Mahajanga area of Madagascar by Charles Deperet in 1895
The Beelzebufo Ampinga – Also discovered in the Mahanjanga Basin in 1993 by David Krause.
The Dahalokely – This was discovered in the Antsiranana part of Madagascar in 2013
We’ll be looking at a new set of dinosaurs in this round.
The Lapparentosauraus
The fossils of this herbivorous dinosaur have also been discovered in the Mahajanga region of Madagascar. It existed during the Jurassic Period around 168 million years ago. It has an expected maturity period of three to four decades and can grow as high as 6 meters tall.
The Masiakasaurus
This is one of the most vicious and carnivorous members of the dinosaur members that existed around 70 million years ago in the Cretaceous period. With an expected fully matured height of 2 meters. Its discovery was made in 2001 with some more detailing discoveries in 2011. It was named in respect to Mark Knopfler of the Dire Straits band.
The Rahonavis
This is a bird-like member also with remains traced by to the North-West region of Madagascar – Mahajanga. It lived over 70 million years ago. It is unclear if it could actually fly like a bird but it is depicted sometimes in flight. Its discovery was made in 1995 by an expedition team that included the University of Antananarivo. Its expected mature length is under 1 meter.
The Rapetosaurus
This is also an herbivorous specie of dinosaur that has also been traced to the Cretaceous period about 70 million years also discovered in the Mahajanga area. It had an expected mature length of about 15 meters. The discovery was first highlighted by Kristina Curry Rogers and Catherine A. Foster in 2001 even though fossil excavation was started in 1993 by David Krause. The name Rapetosaurus is derived from “Rapeto” a giant from Malagasy folklore and of course “saurus” meaning lizard.
The Archaeodontosaurus
An herbivorous sauropod dinosaur from the Jurassic period about 169 million ago. It also has its roots in the Mahajanga area of Madagascar. The name means an ancient-toothed dinosaur. With the name of one of the species called Descouensi names in respect of Didier Descouens. It was identified in 2005.
(To be continued…click here to read Dinosaurs in Madagascar (Part one))
Credits:Thanks to (MadagascanDirect, Madagascar Ankizy Fund, DinoChecker)
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Where to Learn More and What Comes Next
For travelers fascinated by Madagascar’s prehistoric past, the island offers more than fossil fields. It has active research stations, university collections, and guided tours specifically designed for paleontology enthusiasts.
The Mahajanga Basin: Ground Zero for Discovery
Most of Madagascar’s dinosaur fossils come from the Maevarano Formation in the Mahajanga Basin in the northwest. Exposed by seasonal rivers over millions of years, these sediments preserve bones in extraordinary detail. Fieldwork typically runs from June to August, during the dry season when excavation is practical and roads are passable.
Visiting Fossil Sites
Independent access to active dig sites is restricted to protect ongoing research. However, guided fossil tourism is emerging. Several operators in Mahajanga offer day trips to the surrounding basin with knowledgeable local guides. Always verify that your guide is licensed through Madagascar’s Ministry of Environment. Unlicensed fossil collecting and export are illegal and carry serious penalties.
Museum Collections
The University of Antananarivo houses Madagascar’s primary paleontology collection, including casts and replicas of key specimens. The Natural History Museum in Tsimbazaza Park in Antananarivo is open to the public and displays reconstructed skeletons and educational exhibits on the island’s geological history.
The Research Continues
New species descriptions from Madagascar continue to appear in international journals every year. Scientists believe a significant portion of the island’s Cretaceous fauna remains undiscovered, preserved in remote sedimentary outcrops far from any road. Each field season brings the possibility of something entirely new, a reminder that Madagascar’s story in the history of life on Earth is still being written.
