Lystrosaurus maccaigi was a dicynodont therapsid, notable for its beak-like mouth and tusks. It was primarily herbivorous, with a robust build suited for digging. Living during the Late Permian to Early Triassic periods, it thrived in a dry, riverine habitat and played a crucial role in post-extinction ecosystems.

Lystrosaurus maccaigi is an extinct species of dicynodont therapsid that lived during the late Permian to early Triassic periods. Fossil evidence indicates that it was primarily native to what is now southern Africa, specifically in regions that are part of present-day South Africa and possibly extending into other parts of Gondwana, such as Antarctica and India before the continents drifted apart.

Lystrosaurus maccaigi inhabited terrestrial environments that were characterized by semi-arid to arid conditions during the late Permian and early Triassic periods. The climate was likely subject to significant fluctuations, with periodic droughts. Vegetation would have been sparse, with the landscape dominated by gymnosperms and possibly some ferns and cycads.

Lystrosaurus maccaigi was a herbivorous animal that occupied a niche as a primary consumer. It is believed to have been well-adapted to survive in harsh, dry environments, possibly feeding on tough, fibrous plants. Its adaptations, such as a robust body and tusks, suggest it played a significant role in the ecosystem as a grazer, potentially influencing vegetation patterns and soil dynamics.