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Hatzegopteryx

Hatzegopteryx thambema, with its colossal wingspan and formidable skull, soared over ancient Romania's island landscapes. This apex predator dominated its ecosystem, preying on sizable dinosaurs. Its unique adaptations highlight the evolutionary marvels of island gigantism, showcasing a bygone era of aerial supremacy.

113.4 kg
Weight
Height: 5.4864 m
Size
Characteristics
Hatzegopteryx thambema was a gigantic pterosaur from the Late Cretaceous, known for its massive skull and robust neck. It inhabited the island ecosystems of what is now Romania, likely preying on large dinosaurs. Its wingspan could reach up to 10 meters, making it one of the largest flying animals ever.
Distribution Range of the Hatzegopteryx
Hatzegopteryx thambema was native to the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 66 million years ago, in what is now known as Transylvania, Romania. This region was part of the ancient island of Hațeg, located within the Tethys Sea, which covered much of southeastern Europe during that time.
Hatzegopteryx's Habitat
Environmental Conditions
Hatzegopteryx inhabited a subtropical to tropical environment with a warm climate. The island of Hațeg, where this species lived, was characterized by a variety of ecosystems, including coastal areas, floodplains, and forested regions. The climate would have been relatively humid, supporting lush vegetation that included coniferous and angiosperm plants.
Ecological Niche
As a large azhdarchid pterosaur, Hatzegopteryx likely occupied the ecological niche of a top predator or scavenger. It may have foraged both on land and in coastal areas, preying on smaller vertebrates, carrion, or possibly even small dinosaurs, given its massive size and robust skull structure. The limited size of the island suggests it had few competitors, allowing it to exploit a wide range of food sources.