The Dinosaurs That Once Lived in Colombia

Colombia has been home to an impressive diversity of prehistoric reptiles, including immense dinosaurs. Their fossils reveal the rich history of life in the country across various geological eras. During the Mesozoic era, between 250 and 65 million years ago, and the Cretaceous period, about 145 to 66 million years ago, herbivorous and carnivorous dinosaurs dominated dry lands. At the same time, marine reptiles occupied the vast areas submerged under shallow seas.

Later, in the Cenozoic era, from 65 million to approximately 2.5 million years ago, giant crocodiles and other aquatic reptiles inhabited rivers and lakes, reflecting a diverse and dynamic ecosystem. Fossils found in geological formations throughout the country provide a valuable record of these ancient ecosystems. From majestic herbivorous dinosaurs to agile flying reptiles, the following discoveries offer a fascinating window into Colombia’s ancient past.

Top 5 dinosaurs and prehistoric reptiles of Colombia:

Padillasaurus leivaensis

Padillasaurus leivaensis is a sauropod dinosaur discovered in Colombia, known for being the first brachiosaurid found in the nation. It lived about 130 million years ago, during the Cretaceous period, in a landscape dominated by shallow seas. Its remains were found in the Paja geological formation, near Villa de Leyva, in the department of Boyaca. Like other sauropods, this dinosaur was characterized by its large size, long neck, robust body, and strong legs, which allowed it to feed on the treetops and move with its enormous mass. The discovered fossils include vertebrae and other bones that allow for partial reconstruction of its anatomy.

Perijasaurus lapaz

Scientists from the University of Michigan discovered the herbivorous dinosaur Perijasaurus lapaz in the Perija mountain range in northern Colombia in 2022. This specimen would have inhabited the country about 175 million years ago. The Perija mountain range is situated in the Andes between Colombia and Venezuela.

Its first name comes from this region, and the last name ‘lapaz’ refers to the 2016 peace agreements that allowed scientists to access areas previously controlled by the formerly named FARC guerrillas. According to researchers, this individual was a sauropod, a type of herbivorous dinosaur that did not chew its food, had many offspring, and had lungs similar to modern birds. This sauropod also has unique characteristics in its morphology, based on a single vertebra.

Kronosaurus boyacensis

Kronosaurus boyacensis is a marine reptile discovered in Colombia. It belongs to the pliosaur group, known for its large size and powerful jaws. It lived during the Cretaceous period, about 120 million years ago, and its remains were found in the Paja geological formation, near Villa de Leyva, in Boyaca.

This marine predator had a streamlined body, four flipper-like limbs, and a strong jaw with sharp teeth, making it one of the top predators in its ecosystem. The five-meter-long skeleton of Kronosaurus boyacensis is displayed at the El Fosil Museum, built in 1977 at the exact location where it was discovered. This is one of only two known specimens of this species found worldwide.

Purussaurus neivensis

Purussaurus neivensis is a crocodile that lived in Colombia about 13 million years ago, during the Miocene epoch. This giant reptile, known for its enormous size, could have reached up to 12 meters in length, making it one of the largest crocodiles ever known. Its fossilized remains were found in the La Venta region, in the department of Huila, in the 1940s. Purussaurus neivensis was notable for its powerful bite and large jaws, adapted for hunting large prey in the rivers and wetlands that prevailed in the region at that time.

Taytalura alcoberi

Taytalura alcoberi is a pterosaur discovered in 2008 in the La Luna formation, near Villa de Leyva. This flying reptile, which lived during the Cretaceous period, is significant for being one of the few pterosaur specimens found in South America.

This reptile is distinguished by its unique features compared to other pterosaurs of the time, including wing structures adapted for flight. Its discovery provides valuable information about the diversity of pterosaurs in the region and contributes to the understanding of the prehistoric fauna that inhabited the skies of what is now Colombia.

Related: The Biggest Dinosaurs to Ever Walk the Earth