Buitreraptor | The Vulture Raider of the Late Cretaceous

Buitreraptor gonzalezorum was a small, yet especially well adapted theropod which lived in the Late Cretaceous. It was discovered in Patagonia, Argentina as recently as in 2004. Sporting some unique features making it a swift and efficient predator, its name fittingly means ‘Vutlture Raider’.

Buitreraptor Key Facts

Buitreraptor pronunciationbwee-tree-rap-tor
Meaning of nameVulture Raider
GroupTheropod
Type SpeciesBuitreraptor gonzalezorum
DietCarnivore
When it Lived99.6 to 93.5 MYA
PeriodLate Cretaceous
EpochEarly/Lower Cenomanian
Length4-5 ft
Height2 ft
Weight6-7 lbs
MobilityMoved on two legs
First Discovery2004 by Sebastián Apesteguia & Peter Makovicky
Location of first findPatagonia, Argentina
First Described by2005 by Peter Makovicky, Sebastián Apesteguia and Federico Agnolín
HolotypeMPCA 245

Buitreraptor Origins, Taxonomy and Timeline

Buitreraptor by Conty

Buitreraptor got it name from the Spanish word “buitre,” meaning vulture, and the Latin “raptor,” meaning seizer/thief. This name pays homage to La Buitrera, the region where it was first discovered, and reflects its predatory nature.

Its type species name B. gonzalezorum honors two brothers named Fábian and Jorge González, who were responsible for much of the excsvation and later preparation.

B. gonzalezorum belongs to the Dromaeosauridae family, in the theropoda group. This classification places it among the many carnivorous dinosaurs known for their agility and hunting prowess.

The Buitreraptor lived around 99.6 to 93.5 MYA during the Late Cretaceous period, specifically the Early/Lower Cenomanian epoch.

Listen to Pronunciation

Fossil Evidence

The first discovery was made in 2004 in Patagonia, Argentina, by Sebastián Apesteguia and Peter Makovicky. It was later described in 2005 by Peter Makovicky, Sebastián Apesteguia, and Federico Agnolín. Later discoveries have added greatly to our understanding of this fascinating little hunter.

Skeleton of Buitreraptor, a small, agile theropod dinosaur, on display in a museum. The skeleton highlights its long, slender limbs and tail, adapted for swift movement and hunting. Buitreraptor, from the Late Cretaceous period, shares similarities with modern birds, emphasizing its place in the evolutionary lineage.
Eduard Solà, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In a subsequent find, also in Patagonia, a part of a pelvis and a hind leg was discovered. The later fossils (called a paratype) have been instrumental in reconstructing its physical appearance and understanding its hunting behavior. These fossils are notable for their excellent preservation. This has allowed scientists to study the dinosaur in detail, revealing insights into its anatomy and behavior. 

Buitreraptor Size and Description

It was a small, agile dinosaur that was characterized by its slender body and long, narrow skull. The narrow skull is quite distinct from the broader skulls of other dromaeosauridae. Its mouth was adorned with numerous sharp teeth, hinting at its carnivorous diet. The dinosaur’s neck was flexible, allowing it to swiftly strike at prey. Its vertebrae were robust to support the dinosaur’s active lifestyle.

The limbs were well-adapted for movement and hunting. Its forelimbs were unusually long for a dromaeosaurid. Equipped with three clawed fingers, ideal for grasping prey. This adaptation likely enhanced its hunting capabilities and allowed it to grasp and secure its prey effectively. Its hind limbs were long and slender, suggesting a capacity for swift movement.

The dinosaur’s tail was long and stiff, likely serving as a counterbalance during fast pursuits. As for its skin, while no direct evidence has been found, it is generally believed that it was covered in feathers like many other dromaeosaurid have been found to be.

Size and Weight of Type Species

Size comparison chart of Buitreraptor gonzalezorum, showing its small stature next to a human. The Buitreraptor gonzalezorum, approximately 1.5 meters long, highlights its diminutive size and agile form, adapted for a predatory lifestyle during the Late Cretaceous period.
Conty, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

There aren’t extensive finds to support a decisive estimate of its size. However, the most specific estimate given is from paleontologist Gregory S. Paul who has it at around 5 feet long and weighing 6-7 lbs. Much like a quick on its feet, ferocious rooster would be.

The Buitreraptor in its Natural Habitat and Environment

This Argentinian dinosaur thrived in the diverse landscapes of the Late Cretaceous period. The environment it inhabited was characterized by a warm climate and diverse vegetation, providing ample resources for survival. The geography of the region was varied, with vast plains, dense forests, and flowing rivers that offered a range of habitats for different species.

As a carnivore, its diet consisted primarily of smaller animals, possibly both dinosaurs and mammals. Its sharp teeth and long forelimbs equipped with clawed fingers suggest that it was an adept hunter that was capable of swiftly capturing and securing its prey. The dinosaur’s bipedal locomotion allowed it to move swiftly and was an advantage in both hunting and evading predators.

The Buitreraptor’s social behavior remains a subject of speculation. Some evidence suggests that it may have been a solitary hunter that relied on stealth and agility to capture prey. However, it’s also possible that it lived in small groups that cooperated in hunting and shared resources. Regardless of its social behavior, its adaptability and survival instincts allowed it to thrive in its environment and shape the landscape and ecosystem around it.

Interesting Points about Buitreraptor

  1. The name, which translates to “Vulture Raider,” is a nod to La Buitrera, the region where it was first discovered.
  2. Despite belonging to a group known for their large size, this was relatively small–highlighting the diversity within this dinosaur group.
  3. The long, narrow skull sets it apart from many other theropods, which typically had broader skulls.
  4. The forelimbs were longer than those of many other theropods, suggesting a high degree of adaptability and versatility in hunting.

Contemporary Dinosaurs

Running through the diverse environment of Cretaceous Patagonia, the Buitreraptor could be found among a wide range of contemporaries. Among these were the Giganotosaurus, Argentinosaurus, and Rayososaurus–each playing a unique role in the intricate ballet of survival and competition that characterized their shared environment.

The Giganotosaurus, a behemoth in comparison to the Buitreraptor, was a formidable presence. Its size and strength could have posed a significant threat, likely making it a predator of the Buitreraptor. This dynamic would have added a layer of complexity to the Buitreraptor’s existence, requiring it to develop strategies for evasion and survival. On the other hand, the Argentinosaurus, despite its colossal size, provided little threat as it was an herbivore. Its presence would have been a testament to the abundance of plant life in the region and indirectly indicated the richness of the ecosystem that the Buitreraptor was part of.

The Rayososaurus, though not as massive as the Argentinosaurus, was still considerably larger than the Buitreraptor. Its herbivorous diet suggests that it wouldn’t have posed a direct threat to the Buitreraptor. However, the size of these two herbivores could prove to be a threat should the Buitreraptor get caught underfoot. Through this lens the Buitreraptor’s world comes alive, a dynamic landscape where each dinosaur contributes to the rhythm of life and survival in its own way.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name “Buitreraptor” mean?

The name translates to “Vulture Raider,” a nod to La Buitrera, the region where it was first discovered.

What group does this dinosaur belong to?

It belongs to the Theropod group, specifically the Dromaeosauridae family.

What was its diet?

This was a carnivore, feeding primarily on smaller animals.

When was it discovered?

The first discovery was made in 2004 in Patagonia, Argentina.

What are some unique features of the Buitreraptor?

It is notable for its long, narrow skull, long forelimbs with clawed fingers, and long, stiff tail.

What was its environment like?

It lived in a diverse environment characterized by a warm climate, diverse vegetation, and varied geography.

Sources

A rticle last fact checked: Joey Arboleda, 12-29-2024

Featured Image Credit: Conty, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons