Lesser Tupangira

Tupandactylus meaning "Tupan's finger", in reference to the Tupi thunder god. Tupangira is the Tupi or Tupinambá word for Tupãgûyrá, which means “Tupan's bird.”

Tupandactylus navigans was a tapejarid pterosaur with one of the most striking head crests in the history of pterosaur evolution. Its cranium included a massive lower-jaw keel/crest beneath, a very tall bony crest extending forward from the snout, and perhaps soft-tissue extensions that made the live crest much taller and more striking. Its body, on the other hand, was comparatively small and light, with a long neck, short tail, toothless jaws, long forelimbs that supported the wings, and light, air-filled bones. Tupandactylus appears to have been somewhat "fuzzy" rather than just scaly due to evidence that it was covered with pycnofibers, which are hair-like filaments that served as insulation.

Recent descriptions of a highly complete skeleton revealed that Tupandactylus navigans was more than just "a weird skull with wings," but rather a rather typical azhdarchoid-style pterosaur body with an amazing head. Although the precise size varies per reconstruction, the estimated wingspan is often between 2.5 and 3 meters (approximately small hang-glider/very large stork range).

Tupandactylus imperator, Tapejara wellnhoferi, Caiuajara dobruskii, and Sinopterus are near cousins and kin of Tupandactylus navigans, which belonged to the Pterosauria (the flying reptiles). These were the social peacocks of the pterosaur era, driven by a wild crest. The question of whether Tupandactylus navigans and Tupandactylus imperator might be very near related species or perhaps distinct morphs of a closely related lineage is still up for dispute.

Tupandactylus navigans may have spent a considerable amount of time on the ground, according to recent research on the 2021 specimen. Its limb proportions suggest that it was an adept climber and walker. Tupandactylus navigans were able to fly, but probably only for brief periods of time, such hopping between trees or avoiding predators, as opposed to long-distance oceanic soaring. In strong winds, its crest would have produced enormous drag. Tupandactylus navigans was not an aquatic specialty, like the majority of tapejarids. Its anatomy was made for the woodland and the lagoon's edge, not the wide water, but it could probably paddle to safety if it fell in.

The large crest of Tupandactylus navigans may have seemed aerodynamically absurd to us, but evolution, not a toy designer with a fever dream, created the animal. It could probably take off from the ground, flap vigorously, soar, and navigate across coastal and woodland areas. Nevertheless, unlike certain ocean-fishing pterosaurs, it was most likely not a speed demon. It was probably a slow-to-moderate flier that was suited for low-altitude maneuvering, short flight, local soaring, and gliding between feeding areas.

Tupandactylus navigans was probably either a frugivore or an omnivore. Its beak was perfect for gathering fruits, seeds, and small vertebrates and invertebrates from the forest floor. Tupandactylus navigans may have scavenged carcasses, picked up small animals, collected fruit from low foliage, or investigated along flats or shorelines.  If it were still living today, its behavior might resemble that of a seriema, a ground hornbill, a hornbill, or an incredibly overdesigned kite bird. Tupandactylus navigans likely filled a niche in tropical lagoon and forest-edge habitats as a mid-sized omnivorous aerial/terrestrial forager.

While a healthy adult Tupandactylus navigans was not defenseless, it was also not unbeatable. Large crocodile cousins, predatory theropods, large fish or aquatic reptiles (for youngsters near water), larger pterosaurs in some circumstances, and small predators attacking nests or eggs were probably among their potential environmental hazards. Lacusovagus magnificens, a huge stalking predator in the Crato habitat, is one particularly likely aerial/terrestrial hazard from the same general ecosystem. Compared to adults, juveniles would have been significantly more vulnerable.

Reproduction

Tupandactylus navigans deposited leathery eggs, just as other pterosaurs. As a biological indicator of fitness, the crest probably didn't grow to its maximum "sail" size until the animal reached sexual maturity. It most likely lay soft-shelled eggs in sheltered or hidden nesting places, and the hatchlings were probably precocial—that is, reasonably capable shortly after hatching.

The temperament of Tupandactylus navigans was likely alert, visually focused, social, or at the very least tolerant of others in feeding/nesting regions and not very hostile unless it was defending a mate or nest. Their potential sociality was possible that some tapejarids were at least somewhat gregarious, particularly in the vicinity of feeding locations, roosts, or nesting grounds. Although we are unable to demonstrate that Tupandactylus navigans lived in large flocks, it would not be shocking if they did. They were definitely not "human smart," but they were probably birdlike or reptile-bird intermediates in sensory behavior, with high spatial awareness, good vision, and a respectable ability for learning.

Tupandactylus navigans would probably be quite noisy and possessive. Imagine a creature with the "attitude" of a big macaw and the cautiousness of a crane. Tupandactylus navigans would not be considered a "cuddly" animal due to its huge crest utilized for intimidation and its sharp beak.

Although Tupandactylus navigans itself went extinct long before the pterosaurs did, its larger lineage eventually perished as part of the end-Cretaceous mass extinction that eliminated all pterosaurs and non-avian dinosaurs approximately 66 million years ago. For Tupandactylus in particular, environmental change, habitat turnover, ecosystem replacement, competition adjustments, and food web instability may have contributed to its local demise. The asteroid impact event and its disastrous aftermath are linked to the ultimate extinction of pterosaurs in general.

Tupandactylus navigans is known to have originated in Early Cretaceous Brazil, particularly in the Crato Formation in the Araripe Basin. There were ferns, gymnosperms, and early flowering plants in this lush, subtropical setting.  

• Movement Pattern: Full Migrant

• Individual Type: Solo

• Population Trend: Stable

• Population: 

  • Earth: 0

  • Reinachos: 100

• Locomotion: Airborne

• Habitat: Montane Grasslands and Shrublands; Temperate Coniferous Forests; Temperate Broadleaf and Mixed Forests; Temperate Deciduous Forests; Temperate Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands; Subtropical Coniferous Forests; Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests; Subtropical Dry Broadleaf Forests; Subtropical Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands; Salt Flats; Stone Forest; Tropical Coniferous Forests; Tropical Moist Broadleaf Forests; Tropical Dry Broadleaf Forests; Tropical Grasslands; Tropical Savannas and Shrublands; Mediterranean Forests, Woodlands, and Scrub; Flooded Grasslands and Savannas; Swamp; Bayous/Billabongs; Riparian; Wetland; Mangrove Forest; Cold Bamboo Forests; Tropical Bamboo Forests; Air-breathing Coral Reefs; Graveyard Vale; Mountain; Warm River; Cold River; Lukewarm River; Warm Littoral; Cold Littoral; Warm Intertidal; Cold Intertidal; Warm Ghost Town; Cold Ghost Town; Ruined Skyscraper.

• Earth: 

  • Extinct: Argentina; Brazil; Paraguay; Uruguay

A saddled flying creature, at least three bolas, poisonous flowers, clubs or bludgeons, a bow or crossbow (with tranq arrows, or else you will kill it), a lot of meat (like, 20–40, only to tame eat; you probably will want more as he will get hungry after tamed), or at least 4–7 prime meat, and narcotic tranquilizers are all necessary.

Early Cretaceous (115–110 million years ago)

Prior to becoming an Isu Temple in the Late Pleistocene, the DNA of either the Fomorian or Reptilian Humanoid race during the Mesozoic era was preserved inside unbreakable, extinction-proof temples.

Bereshit (75,000 BCE)

Due to an undiscovered wired bore from continent to seafloor created by both Isu and Eternals, some successful individuals in the Pleistocene or Bereshit period constructed the Isu Collider Gateway in Siberia and Mongolia, which is connected to the Global Aurora Borealis Device in New York state several thousand miles away.

Even though the colliders themselves produce radioactive byproducts from their fuel, this device, when fully operational, would provide clean energy that could be used for both conventional energy uses and the production of nonradioactive nuclear bombs. The Sundrop Flower, Moonstone Opal, and Elemental gemstones from Everrealm needed their fuel.

No Way to Seaway series (2010-2019 AD)

Additionally, the colliders include a backup feature that, if properly damaged, can generate wormholes that allow animals from the past to enter. Desmond Miles was devastated when Clay Kaczmarek, in the 2010s-set No Way to Seaway series, died at the end of an episode by touching the Magical Pedestal in the Grand Temple to save Earth from a solar flare and teleporting most people trapped in Late Cretaceous Earth universe, sacrificing his life to free Juno or now as Padre Salvi.

Why anomalies occur or what triggers their opening. Since they accompany the Earth into the Inner Core rather than being abandoned in space like a traditional wormhole may be, they must undoubtedly be connected to Clay Kaczmarek's soul. Kaczmarek followed Juno's advise and accepted this fate in order to save the world, even though she was partially responsible for his demise. When Ronaldo Kealani and his companions arrived at the New York Grand Temple in 2012, he was horrified to learn that Kaczmarek was a sacrifice rather than Miles, which led to his defeat and escape because he had violated their three tenet: "Never compromise the Brotherhood".

As of January 2013, animals from the Mesozoic era coexist and hunt with humans and creatures from the Holocene worldwide. The future will be reshaped by this delicate balance, which will ultimately decide whether humans will continue to be the Holocene apex predators, Guardians, or Elder Dragons on a planet they now share with Juno or Hera, history's most formidable adversary. Ronaldo Kealani and Meranie Jorpassadal, the most recent surviving reincarnations of Eros and Psyche that most kind allies and world leaders need to save from Hera's wrath, have souls that are intact despite the fact that both have died long ago.

The Recollections (2100 AD–2800s)

The original Tupi Warfare Group from Brazil and Bolivia, which consists of Tupi people with some Germans and Japanese blended groups in Berbania and Reinachos planets. These are from Brazil, uses the Tupandactylus as their insignia on their banners. The banner of the Tupi Warfare Group differs significantly from the typical Roman legion banner designs.

• Coming soon

• 25/5/2023 - Tupandactylus was introduced.

Coming soon

• One of the most bizarre-looking animals ever found is Tupandactylus navigans.

• Its crest was likely bigger in life than the bone would indicate.

• It was a member of a family of pterosaurs that frequently resembled flying parade masks rather than the traditional "pterodactyls."

• Paleontologists were able to realize that certain wild tapejarid reconstructions had been overly speculative because to a more complete skeleton of Tupandactylus navigans.

• In terms of ecological style, tapejarids are among the pterosaurs that are most frequently compared to hornbills, parrots, and exhibition birds.

• It is sarcastically depicted in some paleoart and fan discussions as a “flying cockatoo dragon.” Reddit, has definitely gone toward that.

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tupandactylus

• https://www.science.org/doi/abs/10.1126/science.1073186

• https://www.lyellcollection.org/doi/abs/10.1144/gsl.sp.2003.217.01.06

• https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1475-4983.2006.00575.x

• https://www.pteros.com/environments/crato-formation/

• https://walkingwith.fandom.com/wiki/Tapejara

• https://sjpp.springeropen.com/articles/10.1007/s13358-011-0024-5

• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8386889/

• https://www.reddit.com/r/Naturewasmetal/comments/1hfy6ro/the_two_species_of_tupandactylus/

• https://www.reddit.com/r/Paleontology/comments/1gzxcan/tupandactylus_imperator_and_tupandactylus/

• https://www.deviantart.com/ognimdo2002/art/Tupandactylus-navigans-933256071

• https://www.dododex.com/taming/tapejara