rakuswellingini

Rakuswellingini is a genus of extinct maniraptoran theropod dinosaurs known from fossil remains found in the Ile Islands, East Africa. The first described species of this genus is R. ngororomotensi, named after the Ngororomoto forest, where the fossil remains were initially discovered.

Initially considered to be a distinct group of dinosaurs, later reviews of the fossil evidence have led some scientists to reclassify R. ngororomotensi as a member of the wider group of oviraptorids. Despite the possibility of reclassification, the genus has garnered significant interest within the paleontological community for shedding light on the occurrence and diversity of early oviraptorid dinosaurs in that region.

R. ngororomotensi is a well-represented genus from several sites across the East African coast. The initial finds date back to the early Pliocene, followed by later finds in the Mid to Late Miocene and Pliocene of East Africa. The knowledge about R. ngororomotensi provides new evidence for the persistence and possibly evolution of maniraptoran dinosaurs in Africa. However, due to the limited information about the morphology, age, and diversity of this group, there are still possibilities for further research and possible classifications.

Research and studies on Rakuswellingini have mainly been based on findings from these sediments: the sedimentary intensity fields led some to discern that this lineage is linked to sharp changing in lunar cycles.