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Majungasaurus

Majungasaurus is a genus of abelisaurid theropod dinosaur from Late Cretaceous Madagascar.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Majungasaurus is a genus of abelisaurid theropod dinosaur from Late Cretaceous Madagascar. It is known from the species Majungasaurus crenatissimus and is considered one of the last non-avian dinosaurs to live before the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event.

Classification

Majungasaurus belongs to the theropod clade and the family Abelisauridae. Sources describe it as a medium to large predatory dinosaur with a close relationship to other abelisaurids such as Carnotaurus.

Discovery and fossils

The genus is known from fossils found in Madagascar, especially around the Mahajanga region. Reference sources note that it is represented by a skull and partial skeletons.

Anatomy and size

Majungasaurus is commonly reconstructed as a bipedal predator with short arms and a robust skull. Size estimates in the sources vary, but most place it at roughly 6 to 8 metres long.

Palaeoecology

Majungasaurus lived in Late Cretaceous Madagascar and is interpreted as a major predator in its environment. Some sources note evidence consistent with cannibalism, based on tooth marks on bones.

Key facts

  • Majungasaurus lived in Madagascar during the Late Cretaceous.
  • It was an abelisaurid theropod dinosaur.
  • Only one species is generally recognized, Majungasaurus crenatissimus.
  • It was a carnivore and is often described as a top predator in its ecosystem.
  • Majungasaurus is among the last non-avian dinosaurs known before the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event.
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Canadian context

Majungasaurus is relevant to Canadian readers through museum education, dinosaur research, and public interest in Late Cretaceous theropods. Its fossils and classification are discussed in major natural history references used by Canadian audiences.

Frequently asked questions

What was Majungasaurus?
Majungasaurus was a genus of abelisaurid theropod dinosaur from Late Cretaceous Madagascar.
How many species of Majungasaurus are known?
The best-known and generally recognized species is Majungasaurus crenatissimus.
When did Majungasaurus live?
It lived during the Late Cretaceous, roughly 70 to 66 million years ago.
Where were Majungasaurus fossils found?
Its fossils are known from Madagascar, including the Mahajanga region.
What did Majungasaurus eat?
It was carnivorous and is described as a predator in its ecosystem.
Is Majungasaurus related to Carnotaurus?
Yes. Sources identify it as an abelisaurid and note a relationship to other abelisaurids such as Carnotaurus.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Majungasaurus
    Supports: Genus, Late Cretaceous age, Madagascar occurrence, abelisaurid theropod classification
  2. Extinct Animals — https://www.extinctanimals.org/majungasaurus.htm
    Supports: One-species treatment, Cretaceous age, extinction context
  3. Kiddle — https://kids.kiddle.co/Majungasaurus
    Supports: Late Cretaceous Madagascar habitat, body form, approximate size, carnivorous diet
  4. Dinosaur Pictures — https://dinosaurpictures.org/Majungasaurus-pictures
    Supports: Carnivorous diet, Madagascar fossils, estimates of size, possible cannibalism
  5. The Dinosaurs — https://thedinosaurs.org/dinosaurs/majungasaurus
    Supports: Time range, size estimates, discovery location, fossil occurrence in Madagascar
  6. Natural History Museum — https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/dino-directory/majungasaurus.html
    Supports: Name meaning, diet, length, fossil completeness, taxonomic placement