Balaur bondoc was a small theropod dinosaur that lived in the Late Cretaceous period—a time teeming with diverse life forms. With a body the size of a turkey with a long tail, it was especially stocky compared to other dromaeosaurids, inspiring the name ‘bondoc’, meaning stocky in Romanian.
Key Facts
Pronunciation | Bal-au-r |
Meaning of name | Stocky Dragon |
Etymology of name | Balaur, a dragon of Romanian folklore |
Group | Theropod |
Family | Dromaeosaurid |
Genus | Balaur |
Type Species | Balaur bondoc |
Diet | Carnivore (most likley) |
When it Lived | 70.6 to 66.0 MYA |
Period | Late Cretaceous |
Epoch | Early/Lower Maastrichtian |
Length | 5.9 to 8.2 ft |
Height | 2.5 ft |
Weight | 40lbs |
Mobility | Moved on two legs |
First Discovery | 1997 by Dan Grigorescu |
Location of first find | Hunedoara, Romania |
First Described by | 2010 by Zoltán Csiki, Mátyás Vremir, Stephen L. Brusatte and Mark A. Norell |
Holotype | FGGUB R. 1580–1585 |
Balaur Origins – Taxonomy, Timeline, and Discovery
The name “Balaur” is as intriguing as the dinosaur itself. Named after a dragon from Romanian folklore, it got its type species name ‘bondoc’ which means stocky, from its uncharacteristically stocky build for a Dromaeosaurid.
Belonging to the Dromaeosauridae family, Balaur is a theropod. All though not as large as some of the more famous theropods, it was built as a ferocious hunter.
Balaur lived during the Late Cretaceous period. Specifically the Early or Lower Maastrichtian epoch, 70.6 to 66.0 million years ago.
Dan Grigorescu made the initial discovery of Balaur fossils in 1997 in Hunedoara, Romania. However, it wasn’t until 2010 that paleontologists Zoltán Csiki, Mátyás Vremir, Stephen L. Brusatte, and Mark A. Norell first described the dinosaur. This significant delay between discovery and description is not uncommon in paleontology, as the process of identifying and classifying a new dinosaur can be quite complex.
Fossil Evidence
Dan Grigorescu discovered the initial Balaur fossils in Hunedoara, Romania, in 1997. The find marked the discovery of a new and unique dinosaur species. The fossils were well preserved and provided valuable insights into its physical characteristics and likely life.
Since the initial discovery, one more find have been made in Alba, another part of Romania. This later find have further enriched our understanding of this fascinating dinosaur. Although the number of finds is limited, the species is quite well documented from these two specimens.
The types of fossils found include bones and teeth, which have provided valuable insights into the Balaur’s diet and behavior. The degree of preservation of these fossils has been remarkable, allowing scientists to study this dinosaur in great detail.
Balaur Size and Description
Balaur was a carnivore dinosaur, a fact that is evident based on its physical characteristics. Its strong, muscular body was built for hunting down prey. It would have used sharp teeth, dangerous claws, and its strong limbs to help it capture and dominate its prey. The combined fossil evidence paints a picture of a powerful predator that is uniquely set apart from its other Dromaeosaurid relatives.
Size and Weight of Type Species
Based on the fossils that have been discovered, scientists have been able to make quite good estimates about its size. Similar to that of a Velociraptor, it was around 6-8 feet long and weighed around 30-35 lbs. This was a smaller-sized dinosaur when compared to dino’s in general, but likely quite the ferocious hunter.
The Dinosaur in Detail
One of the most notable characteristics of this dinosaur is its double sickle-shaped claws on each foot. This feature, which is not seen in any other known dinosaur, suggests that it was a highly specialized predator. These claws would have been used for hunting and possibly for defense against other predators.
The head was likely equipped with sharp teeth that were perfect for tearing into prey. Its neck was long and flexible to allow it to reach out for food or defend itself. The vertebrae were robust, supporting the dinosaur’s large body and active lifestyle. The limbs of the Balaur were strong and agile, built for speed and precision. Its tail was likely long and flexible to provide balance as the dinosaur moved. As for its skin, while no direct evidence exists, it’s plausible that it had a covering of feathers, similar to other Dromaeosaurids.
All of these features combine into a robust build. Unlike many other theropods, which were built for speed, this dinosaur was built for strength. Its strong limbs and powerful muscles suggest that it was a terrifying predator capable of taking down even large prey. These unique features reflect its adaptability and survival instincts.
The Balaur in its Natural Habitat and Environment
Balaur lived in what is now Romania during the Late Cretaceous period. This was a time of significant geological and climatic change. The environment would have been diverse with a mix of forests, plains, and water bodies, possibly being limited to several larger islands. The climate was likely warm and humid, providing a lush habitat for a variety of plant and animal life.
As a large carnivore, it would have been among the top predators in its environment. Its diet likely consisted of smaller dinosaurs and possibly small mammals. The strong limbs and double sickle-shaped claws would have made it an efficient hunter, capable of catching and killing its prey with ease.
Balaur’s senses would have played a crucial role in its survival. Its keen eyesight would have helped it spot potential prey from a distance, while its acute hearing would have alerted it to the presence of other predators or threats. Its sense of smell, too, would have been essential for tracking prey and detecting danger.
As a top predator, it would have played a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Controlling the population of smaller dinosaurs and other animals would have helped ensure the health and diversity of their habitat.
Interesting Points about Balaur
- Despite being a theropod, it was built for strength rather than speed, making it unique among its relatives.
- The name “Balaur” translates to “Stocky Dragon,” a fitting name for this robust dinosaur.
- Its fossils have only been found in Romania, suggesting that this dinosaur had a very specific geographic range.
- It lived during the Late Cretaceous period, a time when dinosaurs were the dominant terrestrial vertebrates.
Contemporary Dinosaurs
Among its contemporaries were the Zalmoxes, Struthiosaurus, Telmatosaurus, and Magyarosaurus. Each of these European dinosaurs, unique in its own right, contributed to the intricate symphony of life that played out in this prehistoric era.
The Zalmoxes, smaller in stature compared to the Balaur, was an herbivore. Its existence in the same environment suggests a push and pull. The Balaur might have seen the Zalmoxes as potential prey and yet they would not have been an easy target due to their agility and speed. This dynamic likely added a layer of complexity to the Balaur’s hunting strategies, pushing them to evolve and adapt.
The Struthiosaurus was also considerably smaller than the Balaur. It had a robust body and armored skin and presents an interesting contrast to our main dinosaur. The Balaur, with its sharp claws and teeth, might have seen the Struthiosaurus as a challenge—defining the survival-of-the-fittest quality to this ancient world.
On the other hand, the Telmatosaurus and Magyarosaurus were both herbivores that were larger than the Balaur. These dinosaurs might have been intimidating because of their massive size yet their herbivorous nature meant they were not direct threats. However, their presence would have influenced the Balaur’s behavior, possibly leading to fascinating interactions.
In this prehistoric world, the Balaur coexisted with the Zalmoxes, Struthiosaurus, and Telmatosaurus, as well as the Magyarosaurus. Each playing their part in the intricate dance of life and survival. Their interactions—a complex web of competition and coexistence—paint a vivid picture of life in this bygone era.
Frequently Asked Questions
The name translates to “Stocky Dragon.”
It lived during the Late Cretaceous period, specifically the Early/Lower Maastrichtian epoch, between 70.6 and 66.0 million years ago.
As a carnivore, it likely fed on smaller dinosaurs and possibly other small animals.
The double sickle-shaped claws on each foot are among its most unique features. A characteristic not seen in any other known dinosaur.
Dan Grigorescu discovered the first fossils in 1997. However, it was first described by Romanian paleontologists Zoltán Csiki, Mátyás Vremir, Stephen L. Brusatte, and Mark A. Norell in 2010.
Sources
Article last fact checked: Marius, 12-25-2024
Featured Image Credit: Nobu Tamura, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons