All about dinosaurs, fossils and prehistoric animals by Everything Dinosaur team members.
20 04, 2025

Excellent Feedback from an American Customer

By |2025-04-18T17:02:36+01:00April 20th, 2025|Dinosaur Fans|0 Comments

Everything Dinosaur team members have received 5-star feedback from a customer in America who received their dinosaur figure quickly.  For dinosaur model fans and collectors in the USA things might be a little uncertain at the moment.  There are so many problems with the tariffs and the on-going trade war between the USA and China.  However, Everything Dinosaur team members are doing all they can to help their valued American customers.  The situation is extremely fluid, but Mike and Sue are doing their best to help where they can.

Their efforts are reflected in the fantastic feedback the company receives.  For instance, here is an example of wonderful feedback recently received from a customer based in the USA.

Everything Dinosaur customer feedback (April 2025).

Despite the difficulties with international trade at the moment Everything Dinosaur continues to receive 5-star feedback from customers overseas.

Picture credit: Feefo

Dinosaur Figure Feedback

We are delighted to receive wonderful feedback from our customers in the USA. Recently, one customer praised Everything Dinosaur for our quick delivery and excellent packaging. This kind of recognition means a great deal to us. It highlights that our hard work is paying off. Moreover, it encourages us to keep improving our services.

When customers appreciate our efforts, it keeps us motivated. We strive to deliver not only great products but also an exceptional customer experience. Thank you to all our customers for your support! We remain committed to helping all our customers, especially those in the USA who might be concerned with regards to current events.

Visit the award-winning company website: Dinosaur Toys and Models.

19 04, 2025

The UK’s First DinoCon – Britain’s Largest Dinosaur and Palaeontology-themed Convention

By |2025-04-19T12:07:25+01:00April 19th, 2025|Dinosaur Fans|0 Comments

Everything Dinosaur will be attending DinoCon UK. This weekend event takes place at Exeter University on the 16th and 17th of August. It’s going to be Dinotastic!  We have been proud to have supported TetZooCon in the past and now palaeontologists Dr Darren Naish and Dr Nathan Barling are organising the UK’s largest dinosaur and palaeontology-themed convention.  What a fantastic idea – bringing together real science education with family-friendly entertainment.  This is a sauropod-sized event that is going have dinosaur fans young and old roaring with excitement.

DinoCon UK banner.

The DinoCon banner. The artwork for this colourful banner was created by palaeontologist Dr Natalia Jagielska. Picture credit: DinoCon media pack.

Picture credit: DinoCon media pack

DinoCon UK

The University of Exeter campus will host DinoCon 2025 and Sue and Mike from Everything Dinosaur will be attending.

Organiser Dr Darren Naish commented:

“There’s nothing else like DinoCon in the UK, so prepare yourself for what’s surely going to be the biggest and best dinosaur-themed event that’s ever happened here. Talks, quizzes, stalls, events, book signings, toys and models, and more!”

DinoCon UK being hosted at Exeter University.

The UK’s first DinoCon event will be held at the University of Exeter. Picture credit: DinoCon media pack.

Picture credit: DinoCon media pack

Visit the DinoCon website to learn more about this amazing event: DinoCon.

Amazing Speakers and Presentations

Convention-goers can get to mix with the great and the good of the Earth sciences and related disciplines.  A fantastic line up of speakers has been announced.  For example, Guest of Honour is David Krentz! David is a two times Emmy Award winning artist with an extensive film and television portfolio. His passion is dinosaurs, and he has designed, directed, storyboarded and consulted on numerous dinosaur-themed projects such as “Primal”, “Dinosaur Revolution”, and “Prehistoric Planet”.

The incredibly talented Jay Balamurgan will also be attending. Jay is an assistant producer for science TV, a palaeoartist, and a science communicator. She will be hosting a talk about her work on the latest “Walking with Dinosaurs” series. Scottish artist and regular Everything Dinosaur customer David James Armsby will be hosting a talk about his animated series Dinosauria at DinoCon. This beautiful animation has amassed over 1 million subscribers on YouTube.

More speaker announcements will be made soon.  Conference goers can engage with industry leaders, famous palaeoartists and attend lectures from real scientists about the latest research.

Everything Dinosaur will be attending so you can pick up dinosaur models and figures too.

DinoCon UK - Nigel Marven at TetZooCon.

Conference goers can expect to hear from leading scientists and presenters. Picture credit: DinoCon media pack.

Picture credit: DinoCon media pack

Dinosaur Drawing Workshops

World-famous palaeoartist John Conway will be hosting a series of special workshops focusing on drawing dinosaurs.  Children and adults will be catered for in the packed programme.  Everyone can learn how to draw dinosaurs.

Co-organiser Dr Nathan Barling, a palaeontologist and a research associate at the University of Exeter explained:

“We’ve worked really hard to bring DinoCon into fruition. We think it’ll capture the imagination of everyone who attends and we’ve made sure that there’s a bit of everything for all ages and expertise. All of our talks and panels present the most up-to-date science and we’re running dinosaur-themed activities for both children and adults.”

For example, attending DinoCon 2025 will be the renowned fossil preparator Hillary McLean.  If you ever wanted to know how to find a Triceratops or prepare a tyrannosaur for scientific study, then make sure to catch Hillary’s presentation.

Professor Stephen Hesselbo, Professor of Geology at Exeter University added:

“Palaeontology is an excellent gateway science for all of Earth Sciences. Supporting events like DinoCon 2025 help support the future of our field.”

Talks and panels include guests from major dino-media projects, like the BBC’s “Walking With Dinosaurs” and the TV series “Primal”, among many others. The convention is also running a series of separate academic research lectures, presenting the latest science from researchers.  The convention offers a variety of interesting activities for even the most serious dinosaur fanatic.

DinoCon promotional image - pterosaur discussion panel.

DinoCon 2025 will provide a series of panel discussions. There will be activities aimed at families as well as the series dinosaur enthusiast. Picture credit: DinoCon media pack.

Picture credit: DinoCon media pack

Accompanying this will be a costume competition, charity auction, and evening pub quiz.  Plus, the opportunity to mingle with the movers and shakers in the dinosaur model industry.

Following on from TetZooCon

DinoCon follows the highly successful specialist TetZooCon, which ran for over a decade annually in central London. Now re-branded for a more focused event, DinoCon’s team brings the seasoned expertise of experienced convention runners with a fresh new style to the convention scene.  Everything Dinosaur supported TetZooCon and are delighted to be involved in DinoCon.

Sue from Everything Dinosaur said:

“TetZooCon has evolved!  DinoCon 2025 is going to be an amazing experience.  Everything Dinosaur is delighted to support this event.  This is a wonderful idea, a fantastic way to enthuse and encourage the next generation of palaeontologists.  There will be plenty of activities aimed at dedicated dinosaur fans too.  They might even get the chance to pick up a prehistoric animal model or two from our stand. We are looking forward to attending over the weekend of the 16th and 17th of August. It’s going to be dinotastic!”

Mike and Sue from Everything Dinosaur will be attending DinoCon 2025.

Mike and Sue from Everything Dinosaur will be attending DinoCon 2025. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To enquire about Everything Dinosaur’s involvement at DinoCon 2025: Contact Everything Dinosaur.

DinoCon UK Details

  • Weekend event taking place on the August 16th and 17th.
  • Venue – the University of Exeter.
  • Website: www.DinoCon.co.uk
  • Email: [email protected]

Tickets are available now (April 2025).

18 04, 2025

New Information Potentially Impacting Dinosaur Models Shipped to China

By |2025-04-18T12:12:50+01:00April 18th, 2025|Everything Dinosaur News and Updates|0 Comments

A new directive from the U.S. Government targeting Chinese ships using American ports is likely to add further costs for importers.  This may lead to higher prices for goods sold in the USA.  The shipment of toys and prehistoric animal models will be affected.  Companies are already looking to re-route global supply chains.

The plan unveiled yesterday (April 17th, 2025) entails fees coming into force in 180 days.  These fees are due to increase in future.  A press release from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) confirms these new charges.

The fees for Chinese vessel owners and operators of ships built in China will be based on the weight of their cargo for bulk carriers. Container ships will be charged depending how many containers they carry. Furthermore, there are plans to levy fees on vessels carrying vehicles. Empty vessels arriving at U.S. ports to collect goods for export from the USA are exempt.

Changes to global distribution patterns will likely affect UK ports.  For example, Felixstowe is likely to become increasingly congested as logistics are re-routed.  This will lead to inevitable delays in the receipt of goods in UK warehouses.  For Everything Dinosaur, this could lead to delays in the movement of prehistoric animal models from the port to the company’s warehouse.

The Port of Felixstowe in Suffolk

The Port of Felixstowe handles more than 4 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) per year, including prehistoric animal models and figures destined for Everything Dinosaur’s UK warehouse. New charges on Chinese ships docking in the USA may affect this UK port. Picture credit: Port of Felixstowe.

Picture credit: Port of Felixstowe

Implications for the Supply of Prehistoric Animal Models

Concerns have been raised about these measures.  It is likely that they will further disrupt global trade amid the U.S. Government tariff policies.  These fees had been highlighted back in February.  However, for the moment, they are not as draconian as previously proposed.  The February statements outlined fees of $1.5 million (£1.1 million) for each American port visit for Chinese vessels.

In the media release, Ambassador Greer explained the reasoning behind these new fees stating:

“Ships and shipping are vital to American economic security and the free flow of commerce. The Trump administration’s actions will begin to reverse Chinese dominance, address threats to the U.S. supply chain, and send a demand signal for U.S.-built ships.”

Initially, the fees for Chinese ship owners and operators will start at $50 USD per ton of cargo.  Moreover, this will increase by $30 USD per ton each year for the next three years. Fees for Chinese-built ships will begin at $18 USD per ton or $120 USD per container.  These charges are also set to rise over the next three years. In addition, non-American built ships carrying cars will face a charge of $150 USD per vehicle.

As most prehistoric animal models are made in China, these new costs in addition to the already imposed tariffs will likely lead to a rise in prehistoric animal model prices for American customers.

Unloading PNSO models

Unloading the latest shipment of PNSO prehistoric animal figures at Everything Dinosaur’s warehouse. These figures arrived from the port of Felixstowe.  The recent USTR announcement could lead to further congestion at Felixstowe. Tsintaosaurus model and the Torosaurus pair (Aubrey and Dabei) with the Fergus the Acrocanthosaurus model and Xinchuan the Sinraptor (right). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Global Trade Disrupted

The director general of the UK-based Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade (Marco Forgione) has commented that the tariffs have caused a substantial build-up of ships, particularly in the EU.  As many ships that were destined for the USA have now diverted to the European Union and the UK, there could be significant congestion at UK ports.  Port operations could become clogged, and this could lead to delays in the unloading of ships.

It has been widely reported that the uncertainty and disruption may push up prices for American consumers.  Everything Dinosaur has been monitoring the situation in UK ports.  It is being reported that congestion is being experienced in UK ports, especially in Felixstowe.  Rotterdam and Barcelona ports are facing similar problems with congestion.

Cargo routes may shift towards Europe.  Fortunately, cargo terminals would be able to extend operating hours in the summer due to expected better weather.

Industry experts have asserted that U.S. consumers may bear the brunt of these charges.  UK and European consumers may not be affected.  It is likely that companies, including toy manufacturers would probably be redesigning their supply chains.

Everything Dinosaur team members continue to monitor and are doing all they can to protect their customers.

The Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Models and Toys.

17 04, 2025

Photographing the Beautiful Cyberzoic Smilodon populator

By |2025-04-18T08:42:26+01:00April 17th, 2025|Beasts of the Mesozoic Models|0 Comments

Our thanks to Michael who sent into Everything Dinosaur some wonderful photographs of their latest acquisition.  The Cyberzoic Smilodon populator tan figure has been photographed outdoors.  It is great to see this Smilodon figure in the sunshine.  Thank you for sharing these excellent images and for giving us permission to post them on-line.

Cyberzoic Smilodon populator tan photographed outdoors.

The articulated Smilodon figure having a scratch. A wonderful and well composed photograph. Picture credit: Michael.

Picture credit: Michael

The Cyberzoic Smilodon populator Tan Model

It is a fantastic 1:12 scale articulated model of a sabre-toothed cat. Everything Dinosaur supplies the Cyberzoic Smilodon model with a free Smilodon fact sheet.  It has twenty-one points of articulation. The figure is supplied with two heads (mouth closed and roaring). Each head has interchangeable ears. The model has two sets of paws (retracted and clawed). In addition, there are two neck fur options (long and short). The package art is by Raph Lomotan.

To view the Beasts of the Mesozoic/Cyberzoic range: Beasts of the Mesozoic and Cyberzoic Models.

The Cyberzoic Smilodon populator tan figure outside.

The superb Cyberzoic Smilodon populator tan figure photographed outdoors. Picture credit: Michael.

Picture credit: Michael

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“We greatly appreciate these photographs.  The Cyberzoic Smilodon looks fantastic in the sunshine.  The photographs have been carefully composed, and the articulated figure lends itself to being placed into some intriguing poses.  Thank you for sharing.”

Visit the award-winning website: Prehistoric Animal Models and Toys.

16 04, 2025

A Free Event Hosted by Everything Dinosaur at the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival

By |2025-04-16T13:35:52+01:00April 16th, 2025|Everything Dinosaur News and Updates|0 Comments

Everything Dinosaur and special guests will be speaking at a free event at the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival (2025).  On Sunday the 15th of June, we will be delivering a special presentation entitled “How to Build a Dinosaur Model!” Join us and famous palaeontologist, author and presenter Dr Dean Lomax, award-winning digital sculptor Glen Southern, and acclaimed palaeoartist Bob Nicholls as we lift the lid on the prehistoric animal model industry.

Join us on a journey from design, development, delivery to display.

📅Sunday 15th June – 10.15-11.30am (2025).
📍The Driftwood Café (Baptist Church), Lyme Regis.
🎟FREE drop in event.

How to build a dinosaur model with Everything Dinosaur and chums.

The free presentation will take place on June 15th (2025) at the Driftwood Café (Baptist Church), Lyme Regis. The presentation starts at 10.15am and is scheduled to conclude 11:30am. It is a FREE event! Picture credit: Lyme Regis Fossil Festival.

Picture credit: Lyme Regis Fossil Festival with permission from Everything Dinosaur

Observant dinosaur model collectors will probably recognise the theropod model in the publicity image.  The articulated figure is the Beasts of the Mesozoic 1/18th scale T. rex juvenile.

To view the Beasts of the Mesozoic/Cyberzoic range in stock: Beasts of the Mesozoic Models and Figures.

How to Build a Dinosaur Model

Everything Dinosaur, along with their special guests, will explain how to build a dinosaur model.  Let’s explore the intricate steps involved in creating museum-quality figures.  Everything you ever wanted to know about the dinosaur model making industry but were afraid to ask! Get ready to dive into the science, the art, sculpting, design and the prehistoric journey to create the most scientifically accurate prehistoric animal figures.

Sue from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“I am looking forward to lifting the lid on our industry.  We have made this a free event.  It’s part of our outreach strategy as we champion scientific communication.  Helping to educate young people about the Earth sciences is a fundamental part of our business.  Let’s change the world one dinosaur model at a time!”

The Lyme Regis Fossil Festival website: The Lyme Regis Fossil Festival.

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Prehistoric Animal Models.

15 04, 2025

An Important Update from Everything Dinosaur about Parcels Sent to the USA

By |2025-04-15T14:56:46+01:00April 15th, 2025|Everything Dinosaur News and Updates|0 Comments

Since the publication of the first Executive Order concerning the introduction of reciprocal tariffs and the removal of the $800 USD de minimis on parcels containing items of Chinese/Hong Kong origin, there has been a great deal of confusion surrounding how these Executive Orders will be implemented and their consequences for customers in the USA. Everything Dinosaur has sent out a new press release.  It outlines our current position and aims to reassure U.S. customers about Everything Dinosaur sending dinosaur models to America.

Everything Dinosaur has been trying to understand the implications of these changes. We continue to collaborate with international logistics partners and business organisations in a bid to develop a strategy that helps support our customers in the USA.

On April 8th we sent out a media release stating that due to the continuing uncertainties, sales to the USA would be suspended from the 15th of April (today). However, the decision to suspend sales to the USA has now been reversed.

For the moment, we will continue to accept and fulfil orders to be sent to America.

Sending Dinosaur Models to America

This remains an extremely fluid situation. We would like to assure all our customers in the USA that we at Everything Dinosaur are doing all we can to help.

 

Everything Dinosaur sending dinosaur models to America.

Everything Dinosaur will not suspend the shipment of parcels to the USA. The company has sent out a press release explaining the situation. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Therefore, we at Everything Dinosaur will continue to take orders from our American customers. All parcels will be tracked, and we will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.

It is important at this stage that we stress that this is a fast-moving situation.  There is much ambiguity surrounding the recent Executive Orders. However, we want to assure our valued American customers. We are trying to understand the implications of these changes, although considerable uncertainty remains.

We continue to collaborate with key partners, and we will do all we can to update and inform customers.

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Models and Toys.

14 04, 2025

The New Wild Safari Prehistoric World Nanuqsaurus is in Stock

By |2025-04-19T16:21:52+01:00April 14th, 2025|Wild Safari Prehistoric World|0 Comments

The new for 2025 Wild Safari Prehistoric World Nanuqsaurus dinosaur model is now in stock at Everything Dinosaur. It is a fabulous figure of an Arctic dinosaur.  The model has just arrived at our warehouse.  Team members have been busy contacting all the customers who wanted to be alerted when this tyrannosaur figure arrived.

Wild Safari Prehistoric World Nanuqsaurus

Photographed in the packing room, the new for 2025 Wild Safari Prehistoric World Nanuqsaurus dinosaur model. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To see the range of Wild Safari Prehistoric World figures in stock at Everything Dinosaur: Wild Safari Prehistoric World Models.

The Wild Safari Prehistoric World Nanuqsaurus Model

This new for 2025 dinosaur model measures an impressive twenty-four centimetres in length.  The head height is around seven centimetres.  It is a beautifully painted figure.  One noticeable feature is the remarkable eyes.  The sclera of each eye is painted ice blue.  We supply the Wild Safari Prehistoric World Nanuqsaurus model with a free Nanuqsaurus fact sheet.

Wild Safari Prehistoric World Nanuqsaurus.

A close-up view of the new Safari Ltd Wild Safari Prehistoric World Nanuqsaurus figure. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models.

13 04, 2025

An Exclusive Maip macrothorax Dinosaur Drawing

By |2025-04-18T10:30:14+01:00April 13th, 2025|Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Drawings|0 Comments

The new for 2025 1/40th scale Maip macrothorax model from CollectA has been the inspiration for a new Maip macrothorax illustration.  Everything Dinosaur team members have commissioned this drawing to use in the company’s free Maip fact sheet. Furthermore, this fact sheet will be sent out with sales of the new for 2025 CollectA Deluxe 1:40 scale Maip figure.

The Maip macrothorax scale drawing to be sent out with sales of the CollectA Deluxe Maip macrothorax model.

The Maip macrothorax scale drawing to be used in a dinosaur fact sheet sent out with sales of the CollectA Deluxe Age of Dinosaurs Maip macrothorax model. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Maip (M. macrothorax) was formally named and described in 2022 (Rolando et al). It is the largest member of the Megaraptoridae family of theropods known to science. It measured around nine to ten metres in length.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s article from 2022 but Maip macrothoraxLife Imitates Art with a Remarkable Fossil Find.

The CollectA Deluxe Maip macrothorax Model

This new theropod dinosaur figure is due to be in stock at Everything Dinosaur later this year (2025).  Moreover, it is the only carnivorous dinosaur model to be added to the CollectA range of figures in 2025.  The finished model measures approximately twenty-six centimetres in length.  These measurements suggest that the 1:40 scale is quite accurate.  The scale size declaration being based on estimates that this dinosaur measured around nine to ten metres long.

To view the CollectA Deluxe range of models in stock at Everything Dinosaur: CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Deluxe Models.

The official image of the new for 2025 CollectA Deluxe 1:40 scale Maip macrothorax figure. One of the new CollectA Deluxe models.

The official image of the new for 2025 CollectA Deluxe 1:40 scale Maip macrothorax figure.

Picture credit: CollectA

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“The Maip macrothorax model from CollectA has the incredible detail and artistry that fans of dinosaurs adore. Congratulations to CollectA for brilliantly bringing this magnificent dinosaur to life!”

The Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

12 04, 2025

Important Announcement from Everything Dinosaur About U.S. Sales

By |2025-04-14T14:04:46+01:00April 12th, 2025|Everything Dinosaur News and Updates|0 Comments

The continuing trade war between the United States and China is going to have severe consequences for American sales of dinosaur toys and models.  On April 7th, Everything Dinosaur announced that the company would be suspending sales to the USA due to the on-going uncertainties with regards to the level of tariffs likely to be incurred by sales to the USA.  This decision was taken in response to an Executive Order (14256), that removed the de minimis threshold of $800 USD for all parcels entering the USA containing goods with China/Hong Kong as the country of origin.

To read about Everything Dinosaur’s decision to suspend sales to the USA: An Important Announcement from Everything Dinosaur (Tariffs).

Dinosaur Toys and the Everything Dinosaur company logo

Everything Dinosaur helping to update customers about changes to U.S. tariffs.  Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

New Tariffs on Dinosaur Models and Toys

The original Executive Order published April 2nd (14256) confirmed the removal of the de minimis threshold of $800 USD on all parcels entering the USA containing goods with China/Hong Kong stated as the country of origin. These new tariffs were to come into force at 12:01 am EST on May 2nd.

The rates set were:

  • 30% tariff on each parcel

OR

  • a payment of $25 USD per item from 12:01 am EST on May 2nd rising to $50 USD per item from 12:01 am EST on June 1st.

Therefore, a parcel containing 1 dinosaur model of Chinese origin that costed the equivalent of $30 USD to purchase (including shipping into the USA) would from midnight on May 2nd cost $55.  This is calculated by adding the $25 USD tariff to the original price of the item with shipping $30 USD, a total of $55 USD.

Executive Order 14259

There has been a flurry of executive orders.  It is difficult for us and our customers to keep up with all the developments.  Another Executive Order (14259) was published on April 8th.  It increased the level of tariffs to be imposed.

This Executive Order 14259 stated:

  • The rate of duty set forth in section 2(c)(i) of Executive Order 14256 from 30 percent to 90 percent (ad valorem).
  • Increase the per postal item containing goods duty in section 2(c)(ii) of Executive Order 14256 that is in effect on or after 12:01 am EST on May 2, 2025, and before 12:01 am EST on June 1, 2025, from $25 USD to $75.
  • Increase the per postal item containing goods duty in section 2(c)(ii) of Executive Order 14256 that is in effect on or after 12:01 am EST on June 1, 2025, from $50 USD to $150 USD

Based on our understanding, these amended tariffs would mean that for a dinosaur model costing $30 USD the price would increase to $105 USD from May 2nd.  On June 1st, this item would rise in price to $180 USD.

Committed to Helping Customers

The company remained committed to trying to help American customers.  Team members were doing all they could to prevent parcel’s destined for the USA being held indefinitely.  In addition, work was on-going to find ways to reduce any price increases for American collectors and model fans.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“Things are very much up in the air at the moment.  We are still scheduled to suspend all sales in the USA from noon [12 noon BST (7 am EST) Tuesday 15th April].  However, we continue to collaborate with international carriers, the United States Postal service and other key parties to find a solution for our American customers.”

Everything Dinosaur working hard to find a solution for our American customers.

Everything Dinosaur – a leading supplier of dinosaur toys and models is working hard to help American customers. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Mike added that they would continue to work towards a sustainable solution and that they would be posting updates on social media.

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Models and Toys.

11 04, 2025

A New Carcharodontosaurid Dinosaur is Described

By |2025-04-21T20:23:45+01:00April 11th, 2025|Palaeontological articles|0 Comments

Time to catch up on this year’s dinosaur discoveries.  For instance, a new species of North African carcharodontosaurid was described recently.  The fragmentary fossil material representing Tameryraptor markgrafi was excavated during the expedition to Egypt led by the famous German palaeontologist Ernst Stromer von Reichenbach.  The naming of this new dinosaur (Kellermann, Cuesta and Rauhut), demonstrates that the theropods of the Bahariya Oasis and the Moroccan Kem Kem Group are not as closely related as previously thought.  Researchers have stated that the proposed faunal similarities between these two strata need further examination.

Tameryraptor markgrafi

The partial skeleton from the Egyptian Bahariya Oasis, found in April 1914, consisted of elements from the skull, a partial dorsal vertebra, upper limb ones, the proximal end of the pubis and part of a caudal vertebra.  It was described by Stromer in 1931.  The material was first assigned to the species Megalosaurus saharicus, which had been described from isolated teeth found in geologically older rocks in Algeria. Unfortunately, almost all of the material from the Bahariya Oasis, including these fossils was destroyed during a bombing raid in World War II.

A detailed reassessment of the available information on the Egyptian carcharodontosaurid, including a previously undescribed photograph of the exhibited specimen, revealed that it differed from the Moroccan Carcharodontosaurus saharicus in several ways.  It also possessed a horn-like rugosity on the nasal bone.  These unique characteristics permitted the research team to confidently reassign these fossils, removing them from the C. saharicus taxon and allowing the naming of a new species of North African theropod.

A photograph of the holotype fossil material of Tameryraptor markgrafi (SNSB-BSPG 1922 X46).

A photograph of the holotype fossil material (SNSB-BSPG 1922 X46) on display. This photograph was taken prior to April 1944. Picture credit: Kellermann et al.

Picture credit: Kellermann et al

The fossils were discovered around two kilometres from Ain Gedid on the Western foot of the Gebel Harra in basal layers of hardened, gypsum-free marl.  The fossil material it thought to be around ninety-five million years old (Cenomanian faunal stage of the Late Cretaceous).

Based on the photographic evidence and a single endocast of the skull that remains, palaeontologists have estimated that Tameryraptor was around ten metres long.

Tameryraptor illustration.

An illustration of the large carcharodontosaurid from the Bahariya Formation (Egypt). It has been named Tameryraptor markgrafi. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The Etymology of Tameryraptor

The genus name is derived from one of the more informal names for Egypt (ta-mery), which means beloved land and the Latin word for thief (raptor).  The species name honours Austrian fossil collector Richard Markgraf, who discovered most of the dinosaur remains described by Ernst Stromer von Reichenbach.

The scientific paper: “Re-evaluation of the Bahariya Formation carcharodontosaurid (Dinosauria: Theropoda) and its implications for allosauroid phylogeny” by Maximillian Kellerman, Elena Cuesta and Oliver W. M. Rauhut published in PLOS One.

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models.

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