Rakosaurus

Rakosaurus is a genus of large predatory theropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 70 to 66 million years ago. Its fossils have been discovered in the Maevarano Formation of Madagascar. The name Rakosaurus means "thief lizard," a reference to its carnivorous nature and its discovery. It is considered one of the largest known theropods from Africa.

The holotype specimen of Rakosaurus includes a partial skull and postcranial elements. Based on the available fossil material, Rakosaurus is estimated to have been around 7 to 8 meters (23 to 26 feet) long and weighed several tons. Its skull was robust and featured large, serrated teeth, indicating it was a formidable predator. The exact phylogenetic placement of Rakosaurus has been debated, but it is generally thought to be a member of the abelisaurid family, a group of theropods characterized by their short snouts, small arms, and often ornamented skulls.

Rakosaurus likely preyed on smaller dinosaurs and other vertebrates found in its environment. Its powerful build and sharp teeth would have made it an apex predator in its ecosystem. The discovery of Rakosaurus has provided valuable insights into the diversity of large predatory dinosaurs that existed in the Southern Hemisphere during the final stages of the Mesozoic Era.