Carnivorous dinosaur species found in Argentina

[Mark]

Scientists in Buenos Aires have announced the discovery of a new dinosaur species deep in Argentina's Southern Patagonia region. The fossil clearly shows the species was carnivorous, making it the southernmost meat-eater discovered by researchers.

The fossilised bones - including vertebrae, pieces of rib and a nearly intact tibia - were first discovered in 2001. After several years of study, scientists working under the supervision of paleontologist Fernando Novas determined the bones belonged to a 6 to 7 metre long carnivore.

Scientists call it Orkoraptor burkei. "Orr Korr" means "toothed river" in the indigenous language Aoniken and the second part is homage to amateur researcher and dinosaur enthusiast Coleman Burke, a New Yorker who donates part of his personal wealth to paleontology outings in Patagonia.

"The discovery we've made in Patagonia not only alters and improves our knowledge of dinosaurs in the southern hemisphere, but obviously it also alters knowledge on a global level. This is a new dinosaur not just for Patagonia but for the rest of the world," Novas said yesterday.

The find, Novas added, indicates carnivorous dinosaurs had greater distribution than experts had previously thought. The fossil remains were found in the province of Santa Cruz just a few miles outside the tourist town of Calafate, 2 780 kms south east of Buenos Aires. Like many of the new dinosaur species being documented by scientists, the fossil dates back to the Cretaceous period some 70 million years ago.