Blikanasaurus

Blikanasaurus is a Triassic sauropodomorph known solely from a remarkably robust, complete lower left hindleg and foot excavated in the Lower Elliot Formation of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Living roughly 210 million years ago, this dinosaur measured an estimated four to five metres in length. The short, broad foot and sturdy metatarsals show distinct adaptations towards bearing substantial weight, indicating that Blikanasaurus had transitioned to an obligate quadrupedal posture far earlier than many contemporary relatives. Although known from limited fossil material, it holds an important evolutionary position near the root of Sauropodiformes, offering a rare glimpse into the anatomical shifts that paved the way for massive sauropod body forms.

It possessed an exceptionally stocky, robust lower hindlimb built for bearing heavy weight.

Where and when

Blikanasaurus lived in the Late Triassic, from 215 to 204 million years ago (Norian age). Its remains come from South Africa, in the Elliot Formation.

The numbers

Length 4.5 m (estimates run from 4 to 5 m). Mass about 570 kg. Hip height about 1.5 m. That is 2.6 human-lengths, or 0.4 of a double-decker bus. These are estimates from fragmentary remains; fields marked estimated by the site are length, mass, first ma, last ma, hip height.

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