Illustration by Deinonychus of JPLegacy
Physical Characteristics[]
Length: 25 feet
Height: 8 feet
Weight: 1 ton
Coloration:
- Adult (both sexes): Base color is a chalky white. Individual Carnotaurus are known to have one other base coloration they are most comfortable with, this taking the place of the usual individual variations of color in other dinosaurs. Adults are capable of triggering a mechanism which causes them to blend in with their immediate environment, and are also capable of mimicking other animals' color patterns or flashing their skin vibrant colors with its mood or as a defense mechanism to ward off adversaries. Carnotaurus eyes are green.
- Juvenile (both sexes): Like the adults, the base color of juveniles is also a chalky gray or white. However, unlike adults infants are only capable of changing color with their mood. More sophisticated abilities are adopted with age.
Diet[]
Animals smaller than itself; carrion.
Preferred habitat[]
A Carnotaurus preferred habitat is anywhere there is sufficient shade so that the dancing sunlight patterns do not leave trails on its skin and reveal its presence. Densely forested areas and abandoned human facilities are perfect for this purpose.
Social Structure[]
Typically found in loose packs of 2 or 3 sometimes in 4 but that is very rare and not likely to appear animals with an alpha individual that can be either male or female. Some packs are territorial, others are nomadic.
Breeding Season[]
Wet season, when prey is abundant.
Description[]
Along with its useless forelimbs which were shorter than tyranosauria family, Carnotaurus has a comparatively weak bite and it is a relatively sluggish animal, incapable of chasing prey for any substantial distance without tiring. However, its advantage lies in its unique ability to change its color to match its environment; enabling it to blend in so well with its surroundings that it can appear practically invisible unless it makes a sudden movement. Carnotaurus uses this advanced color-shifting ability to camouflage itself perfectly, allowing it to get as close to its prey as possible. Once close enough to its quarry, Carnotaurus will charge, knocking the victim down with its reinforced skull and stamping on it until it is rendered stunned or unconscious before delivering a killing hammer blow with its upper jaw. An incredibly patient animal, Carnotaurus has been known to stalk its prey for many an hour while in its invisible form.
As well as for hunting, Carnotaurus also uses its color-changing ability to express emotions. Confusion and shock are conveyed by a chalky white - its base color - and ripples of color are used during mating rituals; to express anger and upset; and to intimidate other predators. Because of this, similar-sized predators such as Ceratosaurus tend to leave Carnotaurus well alone. However, some Carnotaurus may be found living near packs of Velociraptor, as both species occupy similar habitats. This can occasionally cause tension between the two species, although sometimes a territorial truce is made as the far more intelligent Velociraptor take advantage of the fact other medium-sized predators avoid wherever there may be a Carnotaurus living nearby. In turn, the Carnotaurus benefit from the pack's leftover kills, its tough skin providing some protection against the claws and teeth of its contemporaries.
When attempting to impress a female, the male Carnotaurus will perform a mating dance, whereas he will crouch and sway his body from side to side, flashing ripples of vibrant color through his skin. Females will visit each male’s personal “dance spot” and ultimately choose the largest male with the best dance, the largest horns, and the most vibrant colors. Due to its relative lack of weaponry, Carnotaurus prefers to avoid conflict - disputes between competing males are more commonly resolved with color-flashing and roaring rather than physical force. In extreme circumstances, males will fight, using their horns to butt one another into submission.
After mating, female Carnotaurs will eat far more often than usual before laying her eggs to build up a fat supply. During the period of incubation she will refuse to eat, her energies focused on guarding the eggs until they hatch. Once they hatch, however, the mother will seemingly lose interest in her offspring, and the hatchlings have a rough time right from the start. The adults of their parents’ pack expect the young to be self-sufficient from the moment of hatching, and so the chicks are forced to learn to hunt for small lizards, mammals and insects or else starve to death. The weaker chicks are immediately killed - either by their hungry siblings or the adults - and even the stronger ones are at risk should they fall ill to some disease. Learning to cloak itself in accordance to its environment is essential for an adolescent's continued survival. Under these harsh conditions, sometimes entire broods are wiped out in a single season. Along with its elusive nature, such poor treatment of its young is possibly the reason why the species is apparently rare on Sorna.
Being primarily nocturnal, a camouflaged Carnotaurus in a well-shaded environment is virtually impossible to spot. Carnotaurus has a distinctive, gurgling roar, unlike that of any other dinosaur.
Resources[]
Page Illustration by Deinonychus Page text from LtL Isla Sorna Field Guide
Gallery[]
