Shri
| Key | Value |
|---|---|
| Name Meaning | “Shri” |
| Location | Mongolia |
| Time Period | c. 72 million years ago (Late Cretaceous) |
| Length | 6 ft (2 m) |
| Weight | 33 lb (15 kg) |
| Locomotion | Biped |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Described | 2021 (Turner et al.) |
| Geological Formation(s) | Barun Goyot, Djadochta |
| Valid Species | Shri devi (type), Shri rapax |
Phylogeny: Dinosauria > Saurischia > Theropoda > Neotheropoda > Tetanurae > Avetheropoda > Coelurosauria > Maniraptora > Pennaraptora > Paraves > Dromaeosauridae > Eudromaeosauria > Velociraptorinae
Overview: Fossils of this small carnivore were first unearthed in the early 1990’s, later described in 1999 as belonging to the genus Velociraptor. Later studies would note some traits that suggested the bones came from a related, but distinct genus, leading to Shri being described as such in 2021. The full scientific name of the type species, Shri devi, refers to a Tibetan Buddhist deity known as Palden Lhamo – alternatively known as “Shri Devi”. Tibetan Buddhism was historically influential in Mongolia, where the animal was discovered. In 2025, a second species, Shri rapax, was referred to the genus. The two species are distinguished by some minor traits, but the differences between the genus Shri and Velociraptor were more striking. Shri tended to have shorter, deeper jaws, a larger thumb claw, and an overall stockier build when compared to that of Velociraptor. Many features were shared however, including their general size, birdlike anatomy, and enlarged toe claws.
Paleontologists classify both Shri and Velociraptor within the family Dromaeosauridae and the two likely shared the same subfamily, called the Velociraptorinae. Velociraptorines usually had longer, narrower snouts than other dromaeosaurids, though Shri shows us that there was some variation in snout shape among them. The two genera are also known from similar geological formations, with Shri devi coming from the Barun Goyot and Shri rapax from the Djadochta. Velociraptor was first discovered in the latter formation. It’s possible that the two occupied different niches, going after different types of prey, though we can’t be sure. Both lived in an arid environment, the land covered by sand dunes and seasonal streams or lakes. Velociraptorine dromaeosaurids appear to have flourished in such environments, as other genera and species come from this region. Direct fossil evidence on Velociraptor itself suggests that these animals were extensively feathered.