Shringasaurus (SciiFii)

Shringasaurus triceracephalus is a species of archosauromorph reptile from the Middle Triassic (Anisian) of India as an extinct species, Shringasaurus indicus, and was once extinct, but has since been brought back from extinction by SciiFii and introduced throughout the modern rainforests, wetlands, forests, and open woodlands across India and Southeast Asia to help boost biodiversity. Shringasaurus triceracephalus is an allokotosaur, a group of unusual herbivorous reptiles originally from the Triassic, and is most closely related to the smaller and better known Azendohsaurus in the family Azendohsauridae. Shringasaurus triceracephalus is a rather large animal, growing on average of about 9.8–13.1 feet (3-4 meters) in length. Like some ceratopsid dinosaurs, Shringasaurus triceracephalus has two large horns over its eyes that faces up and forwards from its skull. These horns are used for display, and during fights with other Shringasaurus triceracephalus, similarly to the horns of ceratopsids like Triceratops. Shringasaurus triceracephalus also bears similarities to sauropodomorph dinosaurs, such as its long neck and teeth. Shringasaurus triceracephalus occupies a similar ecological niche to large iguanas of the Americas (including rock iguanas (Cyclura)), feeding on a wide range of fruits and leafy vegetation. Although Shringasaurus triceracephalus typically remain still for long periods of time and have a slow lumbering gait due to their body mass, they are capable of quick bursts of speed for short distances. Younger animals are more arboreal and will seek refuge in trees, which they can climb with great agility. Although quick to flee when attacked or threatened, Shringasaurus triceracephalus will aggressively attack by biting and repeatedly striking with its thick tail and/or its horns if cornered. Shringasaurus triceracephalus use "head bobs" and expandable dewlaps in a variety of ways in social interactions, such as greeting another Shringasaurus triceracephalus or to court a possible mate. The frequency and number of head bobs have particular meanings to other Shringasaurus triceracephalus. Shringasaurus triceracephalus males reach sexual maturity at four to five years of age. Females become sexually mature at two to three years of age. Male Shringasaurus triceracephalus are territorial and the most aggressive males will have the largest range of territory. Mating takes place at the beginning of, or just prior to, the first rainy season of the year and lasts for two to three weeks. Females lay from 7 to 49 eggs, with an average clutch size of 18, within 35 days. Females guard their nests for several days after laying their eggs, and incubation lasts approximately 85 days. The conservation status of Shringasaurus triceracephalus is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the animal's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii