Lost World Reborn: Proboscidisaurus dimorphorhinus

Proboscidisaurus dimorphorhinus (two-form nosed trunked lizard)

Habitat: Jungle

Size: 35 feet long, 20 feet tall on hind legs, 6 tons.

Diet: Herbivore; leaves, branches, fruits, bark, water plants.

Lifespan: 50 years.

Sociability: Small herds of females and young lead and protected by a large male. Territorial.

Breeding: Males used their size, claws and trunks in fierce bouts for harems and mating rights. Females lay up to 20 eggs and rear surviving young for 10 years.

Status: Rare but secure.

   Perhaps the most extraordinary of all of the Lost World's creatures is the Proboscidisaurus dimorphorhinus. This dinosaur is descended from Triassic prosauropods and grow 35 feet long and can reach up to 20 feet in the trees. At 6 tons they are the largest animals in the lowland jungles, along with the Hyperiguanus. The bare skull of Proboscidisaurus is simila rin shape to Brachiosaurus, but the high crest in this case anchors an trunk that can reach four feet long. In females the trunk is slender and elephant like and is good for selectively grasping leaves, branches and fruit. In males, which are larger than females, the trunk is much more bulbous and swollen, like an elephant seal, and can flush with muscle and bright red colors. This trunk is less suited for grabbing food but great for dispalying to rivals and mates and for creating loud trumpets that carry for miles. Males control small harem-herds and fight viciously with other males over mating rights. Along with their trunks Proboscidisaurus have large iguana-like dewlaps and keratinous spines on their necks and backs, and long frontal claws.