Leelisaurus

Leelisaurus is a genus of extinct titanosaurian sauropod dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous period. The type species, Leelisaurus nubivagans, was described in 2024 based on fossil remains discovered in the Leeli Formation of Tanzania. This formation is known for its dinosaur fossils, providing a glimpse into the fauna of Africa during the Late Cretaceous.

Leelisaurus is estimated to have been a medium-sized sauropod, though its exact dimensions are difficult to determine due to the incomplete nature of the fossil material. The recovered bones suggest it possessed the characteristic long neck and tail of sauropods, along with a bulky body supported by thick legs. Its phylogenetic placement within Titanosauria indicates it was part of a diverse group of long-necked herbivores that dominated many terrestrial ecosystems during the Mesozoic Era.

The discovery of Leelisaurus contributes to our understanding of sauropod diversity and evolution, particularly in the African continent. While further fossil discoveries are needed to fully elucidate its anatomy and ecological role, Leelisaurus represents another piece in the puzzle of dinosaur life in Late Cretaceous Africa. Its name is derived from the Leeli Formation and the Greek word "sauros," meaning lizard.