# New Megaraptorid Dinosaur Species Discovered in Northern Patagonia Paleontologists identify Rinconraptor pipoae, an apex predator from the Late Cretaceous period. - **Source:** [Sci.News: Breaking Science News](https://www.sci.news/) - **Published:** 2026-10-30 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/55ab08ab-038f-4f56-a0c9-31f12fc6f74d ## Discovery of Rinconraptor pipoae Paleontologists identified a new megaraptorid genus, Rinconraptor pipoae, from incomplete skeletal remains found in northern Patagonia, Argentina. This predator lived during the Late Cretaceous epoch, approximately 83 million years ago. The discovery adds significant data to the Megaraptoridae group, known for their slender hind limbs, large manual claws, and strongly curved teeth. ## Geological Context and Location The fossils were unearthed at Cerro Overo, located 50 kilometers southwest of Rincón de los Sauces. These specimens originated from the Bajo de la Carpa Formation within the Neuquén Basin. This geological unit records diverse paleoenvironments influenced by aeolian and fluvial systems, providing a rich context for understanding the region's ancient ecosystem. ## Anatomical Features and Size The primary specimen includes ten tail vertebrae, a partial bone from the tail's underside, a left humerus fragment, and a right tibia. Researchers estimate the dinosaur reached a length of seven meters. Comparisons suggest it possessed 40 to 45 tail segments, a structural pattern notably similar to that observed in the Tyrannosaurus genus. ## Fragmentary Fossil Record Challenges Megaraptorid fossils remain scarce and fragmentary globally, complicating efforts to determine their precise phylogenetic affinities. While remains have been documented in Brazil, Australia, Thailand, and Japan, the limited material often leads to scientific debate. This new Argentine discovery provides essential, albeit partial, evidence to help clarify the evolutionary relationships within this theropod group. ## Additional Megaraptorid Remains Beyond the holotype, the research team identified several other megaraptorid bones in the same area that could not be assigned to a specific species. These additional specimens suggest body lengths ranging from six to 8.5 meters. These findings highlight a broader presence of medium- to large-sized theropods within the specific Santonian-age fossil site. ## Apex Predator Ecological Competition The presence of megaraptorids in the Cerro Overo-La Invernada area coincides with the record of abelisaurids. Scientists hypothesize that these two groups of apex predators may have competed for resources. However, the fossil record suggests potential niche partitioning, which likely allowed these carnivorous dinosaurs to coexist within the same geographic space during that era. ## High Biodiversity Ecosystem Dynamics The Cerro Overo-La Invernada area represents an ecosystem characterized by high faunal biodiversity. Beyond the theropods, the site includes remains of titanosaur sauropods, as well as elasmarian and indeterminate ornithopods. This diverse assemblage indicates a complex food web where multiple large species occupied distinct ecological roles, minimizing direct competition for available environmental resources. ## Scientific Publication and Impact The findings were published this month in the journal Palaeontologia Electronica by Ariel Hernán Méndez and colleagues. This study expands the known dinosaur diversity of the Bajo de la Carpa Formation. By documenting these remains, the team contributes critical data to the ongoing analysis of Cretaceous predator distribution and their evolutionary history in Patagonia. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.sci.news/paleontology/rinconraptor-pipoae-15164.html — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._