Antetonitrus (SciiFii)

Antetonitrus africanus is a species of non-avian sauropod dinosaur that originally lived in the Early Jurassic Elliot Formation of South Africa as an extinct species, Antetonitrus ingenipes, and the genus itself was once extinct, but has since been brought back from extinction by SciiFii and introduced throughout the modern wetlands, forests, open woodlands, grasslands, shrublands, and scrublands across eastern and southern Africa to help boost biodiversity. Antetonitrus africanus measures 9 to 11 meters (29.5-36.0 feet) in total body length, 2 to 2.6 meters (6.5-8.5 feet) high at the hips, and weighs about 2-2.5 tons. It is a quadrupedal herbivore, like all other sauropods, but also has primitive adaptations to use the forelimbs for grasping, instead of purely for weight support, thanks to the first digit of the hand, also called the "thumb" or pollex, which is still twisted and flexible, capable of grasping against the hand. As a primitive sauropod, Antetonitrus africanus has a fine coat of short feather covering that covered its head, neck, upper legs, and the tail base, which grow longer when winter is coming, and sheds to shorter feathers when spring arrives. Like many other sauropods, Antetonitrus africanus is entirely herbivorous, feeding primarily on leaves, pine needles, shrubs, fruits, nuts, cycads, and ferns. Antetonitrus africanus is a social animal that lives in herds consisting primarily of young and old females, as well as male calves. Like other sauropods, Antetonitrus africanus lays hard-shelled eggs, which are protected by guarding females known as sentries, and the hatchlings emerge from the eggs in spring, which are cared for by their mothers soon afterwards. Antetonitrus africanus reaches sexual maturity at the age of 7 years, and the lifespan is between 40 and 50 years on average. The conservation status of Antetonitrus africanus 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