Saltasaurus (name meaning "lizard from Salta") is a genus of saltasaurid dinosaur of the Late Cretaceous period of Argentina. Small among sauropods, though still heavy by the standards of modern creatures, Saltasaurus was characterized by a short neck and stubby limbs. It was the first genus of sauropod known to possess armour of bony plates embedded in its skin. Such small bony plates, called osteoderms, have since been found on other titanosaurians.
In the Series 2 episode "Jungle of the Cannibal", a herd of Saltasaurus were brought to the park from Late Cretaceous South America 70 million years ago. They reside in the Sauropod Savannah Enclosure with their other fellow Sauropod relatives.
Facts[]
Era & Discovery[]
Saltasaurus lived in South America during the Late Cretaceous period, from 70 to 65 million years ago. They coexisted with other dinosaurs such as the carnivorous theropod Carnotaurus.
Physical Attributes[]
Saltasaurus stood 14 feet tall and weighed 8 tons, making them smaller compared to other sauropods.
Saltasaurus skeleton
Saltasaurus had long necks that allowed them to reach the treetops and massive bodies that are covered in bony plates that protected them from predators of their environment. Despite their large size and armored bodies, juveniles were still vulnerable to carnivores like Carnotaurus.
Behavior & Traits[]
Like many sauropods, Saltasaurus lived in herds for protection from predators like Carnotarus. They laid 25 eggs shallow excavated depressions without burial.
Gallery[]
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Trivia[]
- Saltasaurus is the second smallest sauropod brought to the park.