InGen Carnivore Profile: Piatnitzkysaurus

Piatnitzkysaurus lives among a variety of different predators small and large on Isla Muerta, each one occupying a specific niche depending on preference and habitat. But as with modern predators, competition is not uncommon.

Based on observed sightings, the most prominent enemy of Piatnitkzysaurus is Deinonychus. Often called the lions and hyenas of Muerta, the two theropods are noted for being seen as natural enemies. In parts of the valley where they have overlapping ranges, both of them target the same prey and usually tend to steal each other's kills by mobbing one another. Deinonychus are especially threatening to young ones, which triggers immediate aggression from the protective adults. In one on one encounters, a single Deinonychus would regularly avoid direct confrontations with Piatnitzkysaurus rather than put up a fight.

But in comparison, a solitary Piatnitzkysaurus will immediately retreat to safety at the sight of larger predators, such as Ceratosaurus, Aucasaurus, Majungasaurus, Rugops, Rajasaurus, Abelisaurus, Postosuchus, Saurosuchus and Dimetrodon. However, packs stand more of a chance in fending off these predators.

It's also worth noting that the other carnivores Inostrancevia, Dryptosaurus, Herrerasaurus and Deltadromeus pose no such major competition. Deltadromeus are more accustomed to hunting large prey on game trails, Dryptosaurus occupies hunting grounds in the short grasslands, Herrerasaurus prowls in the dense jungles while Inostrancevia stalks through the upland habitats.

The pseudosuchian Ornithosuchus that live around the valleys seems to behave more strangely around Piatnitzkysaurus. In a way, rather than competing, the two species appear to share a kind of respect in which neither of them attack each other. Instead, Ornithosuchus shares a kleptoparasitic interaction with them in which it waits until the theropod has finished eating a meal before proceeding to feed off the leftovers.