Palaeosaniwa

Model from Jake Baardse

*"Although it can grow as large as a komodo dragon, Palaeosaniwa (Ancient Saniwa) is actually an early relative of the modern Gila Monster (Monstersauria). Like its modern relatives, Palaeosaniwa is venomous, but this feature is used for defence more than prey capture, latching onto threats with its hooked teeth while glands on the lower jaw excrete venom into the wound. This animal acts primarily as a specialized raider of dinosaur nests, making Palaeosaniwa a primary enemy of hatchling-stage dinosaurs and protective parents."*

― *Saurian*encylopedia

***Palaeosaniwa*** was an extinct genus of carnivorous lizard from the late Cretaceous of North America. The name, given by Charles Whitney Gilmore in 1928, means "ancient *Saniwa* from Canada", *Saniwa* being an extinct genus of the monitor lizard family.

Measuring around 2 - 3.5 m (6.5 - 11.5 ft) in length,it was among the largest terrestrial lizards known from the Mesozoic period (though *Asprosaurus* may compete with it in size).

*Palaeosaniwa*'s teeth were sharp and flattened like blades, with small serrations along the edges, indicating it was a carnivore. *Palaeosaniwa* fed on small vertebrates, including mammals and other reptiles, like small dinosaurs including the youngsters of larger species. *Palaeosaniwa* itself was likely prey to the predatory dinosaurs it shared its habitat with.

*Palaeosaniwa* is a member of the Anguimorpha, a group that includes the monitor lizards (Varanidae) and Gila monsters (Helodermatidae), as well as some other species of lizards, such as knob-scaled lizards and slow worms. This could mean it might have had venom similar to that of a Komodo dragon or Gila monster. Originally, it was thought to be a member of the Varanidae, but has also been interpreted as a relative of the Helodermatidae. The most recent analysis places *Palaeosaniwa* outside of either Varanidae or Helodermatidae, although still under debate.

## In *Saurian*

*"Palaeosaniwa have venomous bites. When poisoned your health meter will **pulse**. The frequency of the pulse indicates how much the venom is hurting you -- stay **well-fed** and **hydrated** to counteract it."*

― *Saurian*help icon, displayed when the player is bitten by a *Palaeosaniwa*

It is portrayed looking very similar to a Gila monster, with thick, warty scales and a black and bright orange color palette. *Palaeosaniwa* is one threat to the player while they are young, as its diet includes young or small dinosaurs. It is able to sprint a little bit, and buffs the player with intimidating sounds. If the player gets bitten by this lizard, the inflicted effects of the venom can lead to the player's death, if it isn't careful. *Palaeosaniwa* will likely charge and try to kill the player when young, but will prefer buffing the player as an adult, avoiding attacks. The venom usually only kills the player if they are very young or if they are damaged, that is, the player must be older and stay hydrated and well fed to survive. *Paleosaniwa* currentlydon't have sexual dimorphism or ontogenic stages.

### *Dakotaraptor* gameplay

*Palaeosaniwa* are risky as a hatchling or juvenile *Dakotaraptor*. Subadults and adults can be damaged by their venom, but usually taking one down is easier, if you avoid the bites.

### *Triceratops* gameplay

*Palaeosaniwa* are dangerous predators for hatchling *Triceratops*, so they must stay away from their reach. Starting from the juvenile stage you already start to get too big to be a viable prey for the lizard, but the venom may still be dangerous. As you advance to subadult and the adult stage, *Palaeosaniwa* venom may no longer be a threat.

## Gallery

### Images

Concept ArtYoung *Dakotaraptor* being chase by a *Palaeosaniwa*, with a ornithomimid flock in the backgroundJuevnile *Dakotaraptor* eating a dead *Palaeosaniwa*Family of *Dakotaraptor* eating a *Palaeosaniwa*Young *Dakotaraptor* with a *Palaeosaniwa* carcass
### Videos

Palaeosaniwa AnimationsSaurian DevLog -29- Palaeosaniwa Behavior