Species
Velociraptor mongoliensis
Velociraptor mongoliensisAlso known as Velociraptor, Mongolian Velociraptor
Velociraptor mongoliensis was a slender, feathered carnivore that stalked the arid dune fields of Late Cretaceous Asia. Equipped with keen binocular vision and an iconic sickle-shaped claw on each second toe, it pinned down small vertebrates and scavenged larger carcasses. Forearm quill knobs confirm a full coat of feathers, which aided in brooding nests, steering during fast sprints, and social display.
CarnivorousFeathered
—observations
—countries
—peak records
ExtinctConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXExtinctRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyProtoceratops andrewsi, Shuvuuia deserti, Kryptobaatar dashzevegi
Predators
- Tarbosaurus bataar
- Alectrosaurus olseni
ThreatsPrehistoric sandstorms, severe droughts, and larger theropods
HabitatsArid sand dunes, seasonal streams, and semi-desert scrublands
Life span10–15 years (estimated)
Classification
- FamilyDromaeosauridae
- SpeciesVelociraptor mongoliensis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Extinct species known only from Cretaceous fossils; safe to observe in museum collections.
Responsible observation
- Fossil Etiquette: Leave any newly found fossil material in place and contact regional paleontologists.
- Museum Viewing: Inspect forearm fossils for quill knobs that demonstrate true bird-like feathers.
Prey Tadek Kurpaski from London, Poland / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
Image unavailableSame Genus Close Relative Close Relative
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