Tsaagan is a genus of dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, around 75 million years ago, in what is now Mongolia.
The name Tsaagan means “white” in Mongolian, and its species name, Tsaagan mangas, translates to “white monster.” This dinosaur was first discovered in 1996 and was initially thought to be a member of the famous Velociraptor family. However, further studies in 1998 revealed it was a new genus.
The only known fossil, called a holotype, was found near Xanadu in Mongolia. It includes a well-preserved skull, ten neck bones, and part of a shoulder. This specimen belonged to an adult dinosaur.
Tsaagan was a medium-sized dinosaur, measuring about 2 meters long and weighing around 15 kilograms. Its skull was similar to that of Velociraptor, but it had unique features that set it apart, such as a sturdier appearance and specific structures at the back of its skull.
Tsaagan is classified within the Dromaeosauridae family, which includes other well-known dinosaurs like Velociraptor. Researchers have studied its relationships to other dinosaurs, with some suggesting it may be closely related to a dinosaur called Linheraptor.
Tsaagan lived in a rich habitat that included other animals such as Protoceratops, small mammals, and various reptiles. This shows that the area where it lived was full of diverse life.
In summary, Tsaagan is a fascinating dinosaur known for its distinctive features and its importance in understanding the dromaeosaurids of the Late Cretaceous period.