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New Carnivorous Reptile Unearthed from Triassic Brazil

11/14/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A new carnivorous reptile, Tainrakuasuchus bellator, was identified from fossils in Dona Francisca, Brazil, dating to 240 million years ago in the Triassic.
The species measures about 7.9 feet long and weighs around 130 pounds.
It was an active predator, though not the largest in its ecosystem.
The discovery highlights early ecosystem complexity and links between South America and Africa during Pangea.
Findings appeared in the Journal of Systematic Palaeontology.

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Story summary

A new carnivorous reptile, Tainrakuasuchus bellator, was identified from fossils in Dona Francisca, Brazil, dating to 240 million years ago in the Triassic.
The species measures about 7.9 feet long and weighs around 130 pounds.
It was an active predator, though not the largest in its ecosystem.
The discovery highlights early ecosystem complexity and links between South America and Africa during Pangea.
Findings appeared in the Journal of Systematic Palaeontology.