Savannasaurus Facts
Pronunciation: sah-VAN-ah-SORE-us
Name meaning: Savannah Lizard
| Diet | Herbivore |
| Height | 3m |
| Length | 12m |
| Weight | 15 tonnes |
| Environment | Land |
| Era | Cretaceous |
| Period | Late Cretaceous |
| Type | Sauropod |
| Location | Australia |
Savannasaurus was a large sauropod dinosaur that lived approximately 100.5 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period in what is now Queensland, Australia. This impressive herbivore represents one of the most significant dinosaur discoveries in Australian palaeontology, as its holotype specimen nicknamed 'Wade' is the most complete sauropod skeleton ever found on the continent.
As a sauropod, Savannasaurus possessed the characteristic long neck and tail, small head, and massive body typical of this group. Measuring approximately 12 metres in length and standing about 3 metres tall at the hip, it would have weighed around 15 tonnes. Its long neck allowed it to browse on vegetation at various heights, from ground-level ferns to tall conifer trees that dominated the Cretaceous landscape.
Savannasaurus lived alongside other fascinating dinosaurs in the ancient Australian ecosystem, including its close relative Diamantinasaurus and the fearsome theropod Australovenator. Evidence suggests that Australovenator may have occasionally preyed upon sauropods, as teeth from this predator have been found associated with the Savannasaurus specimen, though whether this represents active hunting or scavenging remains uncertain.
The discovery of Savannasaurus has provided crucial insights into the evolution and distribution of titanosaurian sauropods during the Cretaceous period, particularly in the southern hemisphere where such complete specimens are exceptionally rare.
What made Savannasaurus distinctive?
Savannasaurus was distinguished by its robust build typical of titanosaurian sauropods, with a relatively shorter neck compared to earlier sauropods and a broad, barrel-shaped body. Its limb bones show adaptations for supporting its massive weight on the soft, swampy terrain of Cretaceous Australia.
Behaviour
Savannasaurus likely lived in herds, moving slowly through the lush Cretaceous landscapes whilst feeding on vegetation for most of the day. Its long neck allowed it to feed without moving its massive body frequently, conserving energy whilst accessing a wide variety of plant material from different heights.
Discovery
Savannasaurus was first described by Stephen Poropat in 2016. The original fossils were discovered at Winton Formation, Queensland, Australia.
Savannasaurus FAQ
What did Savannasaurus eat?
Savannasaurus was a herbivore that fed on the diverse plant life of Cretaceous Australia, including ferns, cycads, and conifer trees. Its long neck allowed it to browse vegetation at various heights without needing to move its massive body frequently.
How big was Savannasaurus?
Savannasaurus measured approximately 12 metres in length and stood about 3 metres tall at the hip. It weighed around 15 tonnes, making it a substantial but not gigantic member of the sauropod family.
When did Savannasaurus live?
Savannasaurus lived during the
Late Cretaceous period, approximately 100.5 million years ago. This was during the middle part of the Cretaceous period when Australia was experiencing a warm, humid climate.
Where was Savannasaurus found?
Savannasaurus was discovered in the Winton Formation of Queensland, Australia. This fossil-rich formation has produced more Australian dinosaur species than any other, making it a crucial site for understanding the continent's prehistoric life.
How do you pronounce Savannasaurus?
Savannasaurus is pronounced 'sah-VAN-ah-SORE-us', with the emphasis on the second syllable 'VAN'. The name rolls off the tongue quite naturally once you break it down into its component parts.
What does Savannasaurus mean?
Savannasaurus means 'Savannah Lizard', referring to the open woodland and grassland environments that likely characterised its Australian habitat during the Cretaceous period.
How fast could Savannasaurus run?
Like other large sauropods, Savannasaurus was not built for speed. Its massive size and weight meant it likely moved at a slow, steady walking pace of perhaps 5-10 km/h, similar to modern elephants.
What type of dinosaur was Savannasaurus?
Savannasaurus was a sauropod dinosaur, specifically belonging to the titanosaurian group within the family Titanosauridae. These were among the last and most widespread of the long-necked dinosaurs.
Was Savannasaurus related to birds?
As a sauropod, Savannasaurus belonged to the saurischian dinosaurs, which did include the ancestors of modern birds. However, sauropods were not closely related to birds - that relationship comes through the theropod dinosaurs, a completely different group.
How many Savannasaurus fossils have been found?
Only one specimen of Savannasaurus has been discovered so far - the holotype nicknamed 'Wade'. However, this single specimen is remarkably complete, making it the most complete sauropod skeleton found in Australia and incredibly valuable for scientific study.
