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Deep within the mist shrouded podocarp forests of ancient Malaio, the final breath of an apex predator is taken. 147 million years later the rumbling of logging trucks and roaring of chainsaws is intermixed with the faint tapping of the lightest of chisels and hammers as paleontologists, geologists and volunteers work ceaselessly to unearth this slumbering scion of Tū-te-wehiwehi in surroundings that wouldn't seem far removed from its prehistoric home.
This scene paints the picture that helps to illustrate the latest published discovery of Allosaurus Malaioi by Doctors Toa Taiwhiri, Fatimah Srikoa-Allyang and Eikònā ṑxpoannju Āi. Working across 3 digsites in Ngāti Onekawa-Nukanoa, Pulau Kermat and Iskail, these leading scientists are helping to peace together the ancient fauna and flora of Malaio through the support of the Scientific Institute of Malaio-Ozeros (SIMO). The large predatory dinosaur represents one of the most important discoveries for ancient Malaio as the apex predator of it the time. A member of the wider Allosauroid family of predators, A. Malaioi represents one of the youngest members of the Allosaurus genus, yet is one of the oldest fossils yet discovered in Malaio and the oldest large theropod dinosaur. Growing up to 9.5m in length and weigh over 2,100kgs it has several unique features which include a more heavily built skull with more pronounced ridges above the eyes, and more heavily built forelimbs. The environment it inhabited seems to have varied significantly, from open flood plains to dense conifer forests of podocarps.A different member of the Allosaurus genus showcases the rough appearance of the discovery
Despite being unveiled today, the work on these findings has been going on since the first fossil being unearthed in 2002, as part of the first wave of “Dinosaur Hunters” from the SIMO. With little in the way of fossil research and discovery conducted in Malaio overall, it was considered a key area of focus for the SIMO. Bringing together the necessary funding and minds to make it happen required a massive effort on the parts of everyone involved but now we are starting to see the results, with the distant past of Malaio being brought to life. Working under sometimes severe weather conditions of rain and cold, Doctor Taiwhiri recalls the difficulty of the Ngāti Onekawa-Nukanoa dig in an interview he gave. “The early days were an intense struggle. The location was remote and deep into the Kaweka Ranges. For the first several weeks we relied on military helicopters to fly in supplies and equipment. And the weather seemed against us so we were constantly wet and cold”.
“I must also apologise to Papatūānuku for how feverishly we dug into the earth, but I'm sure she'll be merciful for what we have found” Doctor Taiwhiri continued “The combined efforts of our researchers and volunteers who have struggled to help bring forth this key aspect of our distant part. Allosaurus Malaioi showcases not only our how our shared heritage extends back long before us, but through cooperation will last long after we are gone”.
Following several years of excavations, discussion and painstaking preservation work of eight separates individuals from the three dig sites, these in total showcase a remarkable 87% of the whole fossil including the distinguishing aforementioned skull. The cast displays of A.Malaioi are to be put on display in the next several months in the national museums of all AMON states.