Atsinganosaurus

Atsinganosaurus is a genus of titanosaurian sauropod dinosaur that roamed the Earth during the Late Cretaceous period. Its existence is primarily known from well-preserved fossil remains discovered in what is now France, specifically within the Grès à Reptiles Formation of the Aix-en-Provence Basin. The type and only recognized species within this genus is Atsinganosaurus velauciensis.

Discovery and Naming

The significant fossils of Atsinganosaurus were unearthed between 2009 and 2010 during excavations at Velaux-La Bastide Neuve by the Palaios Association and the University of Poitiers. The holotype, a set of four posterior dorsal vertebrae, was found alongside remains of another titanosaurian, Garrigatitan. The genus and species were formally described by Géraldine Garcia, Sauveur Amico, Francois Fournier, Eudes Thouand, and Xavier Valentin in 2010. The generic name, Atsinganosaurus, is derived from the Greek word for "gypsy," alluding to the potential eastward to westward migration of the species. The specific epithet, velauciensis, directly references its discovery location.

Classification and Physical Characteristics

In terms of classification, Atsinganosaurus is recognized as a titanosaurian sauropod. A 2018 cladistic analysis placed it within the lithostrotian clade Lirainosaurinae, alongside other genera like Ampelosaurus and Lirainosaurus. Estimates regarding its size suggest that adult individuals reached lengths between 8 and 12 meters (26–39 ft), with the largest specimens potentially measuring up to 14 meters (46 ft). Body mass estimations have varied, with initial figures around 3.5–5 metric tons (3.9–5.5 short tons), later revised to between 2.46 and 5.26 metric tons (2.71–5.80 short tons). Further fossil discoveries have included cranial elements such as an occipital condyle and parts of the braincase, as well as teeth, vertebrae, ribs, and elements of the shoulder and pelvic girdles, indicating a relatively substantial fossil record across multiple individuals.