Exciting discoveries in Victoria, Australia, have identified fossils from ancient super-predators, including previously unknown carcharodontosaurs and the world’s oldest megaraptorid. This research, led by PhD student Jake Kotevski from Monash University and Museums Victoria Research Institute, highlights fossils dated up to 121 million years ago from the Bass Coast and Otway Coast regions.
The findings depict a prehistoric ecosystem dominated by formidable megaraptorids measuring six to seven metres and smaller carcharodontosaurs ranging from two to four metres, alongside one-metre-long unenlagiines, known as “southern raptors.” Kotevski notes the groundbreaking nature of finding these predators in Australia, which diverged significantly from their relatives in South America, where carcharodontosaurs grew up to 13 metres.
Two fossils represent the oldest megaraptorids globally, underscoring the significance of Australia’s theropods in the Gondwanan ecosystems. Dr Thomas Rich, a senior curator at Museums Victoria, emphasised that these discoveries enhance the understanding of faunal interchange between Australia and South America through Antarctica during the early Cretaceous period. The research presents a unique perspective on predator hierarchies in ancient ecosystems, showcasing the distinctiveness of Victoria’s Cretaceous fauna. The team is actively surveying additional fossil sites for further insights into these prehistoric creatures.