Esetragos

Esetragos is a genus of extinct dromaeosaurid dinosaurs that lived during the Late Cretaceous period. Fossils attributed to this genus have been found in the Djadochta Formation of Mongolia. The type species, Esetragos elanicus, was described in 2024. The genus name is derived from the Mongolian word for "eagle" and the Greek word for "lizard."

Esetragos is characterized by its relatively small size, slender build, and long, stiff tail. Like other dromaeosaurids, it possessed a sickle-shaped claw on the second toe of each foot, which was likely used for predation. The skull of esetragos is known for its elongated snout and numerous small, sharp teeth, suggesting a diet of small prey such as lizards and mammals.

The discovery of esetragos provides further insight into the diversity and evolution of dromaeosaurids in Asia during the Late Cretaceous. Its presence in the Djadochta Formation, a well-studied fossil site, adds to the rich fauna of this ecosystem, which also includes iconic dinosaurs like Velociraptor and Protoceratops. Further research on esetragos fossils may reveal more about its specific ecological role and its relationships within the broader dromaeosaurid family tree.