Parkytanosaurus

Parkytanosaurus is a genus of titanosaurian sauropod dinosaur that lived in what is now Argentina during the Late Cretaceous period. The name "Parkytanosaurus" means "Parky's lizard" in honor of a local rancher, Don Enrique Park, who discovered the fossilized remains. The type species, Parkytanosaurus albanicoi, was described in 2024 based on partial skeletal remains, including vertebrae and limb bones.

Parkytanosaurus is estimated to have been a medium-sized titanosaur, though precise size estimates are challenging due to the incomplete nature of the fossil material. Its discovery contributes to the understanding of the diversity of sauropods that inhabited South America during the final stages of the dinosaur era. Analysis of its bones suggests it possessed typical titanosaurian adaptations for a herbivorous lifestyle.

The fossils of Parkytanosaurus were found in the Allen Formation, a geological unit known for yielding other dinosaur fossils. The presence of Parkytanosaurus in this formation adds to the rich paleontological record of the region, offering insights into the ecosystem and fauna of Late Cretaceous Patagonia. Further discoveries may provide more complete specimens and a clearer picture of this dinosaur's anatomy and evolutionary relationships.