Majungasaurus Dinosaur Claw Fossil Cretaceous Madagascar Genuine Specimen with Premium Certificate of Authenticity

Offered here is an authentic Majungasaurus dinosaur claw fossil from the renowned Maevarano Formation, recovered near Berivotra Village in northwestern Madagascar. This is a genuine theropod dinosaur fossil from the Late Cretaceous, carefully chosen for its preservation quality, anatomical clarity, and striking display presence. The photographs show the exact specimen you will receive, with full sizing clearly visible in the images provided.

This fossil is supplied with a fully hand-signed Premium Certificate of Authenticity, offering enhanced provenance documentation and long-term confidence in the fossil’s genuineness and collectability.

Geological Context – Maevarano Formation, Berivotra Village

The Maevarano Formation is one of the most important dinosaur-bearing formations in the Southern Hemisphere, dating to the Late Cretaceous, approximately 70–66 million years ago. During this time, Madagascar was an isolated landmass with a warm, seasonally dry climate shaped by extensive river systems, floodplains, and alluvial channels.

The sediments of the Maevarano Formation consist mainly of sandstones and mudstones deposited by braided rivers and flood events. These depositional conditions allowed for rapid burial of skeletal remains, preserving robust elements such as claws, teeth, and bones. Berivotra Village is a well-documented fossil locality within this formation, famous for producing scientifically significant dinosaur material.

Fossil Type and Species – Majungasaurus

Majungasaurus is a well-known theropod dinosaur belonging to the family Abelisauridae, a group of carnivorous dinosaurs that dominated Gondwanan continents during the Late Cretaceous. Majungasaurus is notable for its powerful build, shortened skull, and distinctive predatory adaptations, making it one of Madagascar’s apex predators.

This specimen represents a fossilised claw from Majungasaurus, an essential anatomical tool used for grasping prey, maintaining traction, and interacting with the environment. Dinosaur claw fossils are among the most evocative vertebrate fossils, offering a direct connection to the predatory behaviour of theropods.

Morphology and Functional Features

The claw displays the classic theropod ungual morphology, including a pronounced curvature, lateral compression, and sharply tapered distal tip. These features reflect its functional role as an effective gripping and tearing instrument.

Natural surface textures and mineralisation are clearly preserved, providing an authentic fossil appearance shaped by millions of years of geological processes. Subtle variations in colour and texture are entirely natural, reflecting burial conditions within fluvial sediments. The fossil has not been artificially reshaped or reconstructed, ensuring its integrity as a true scientific specimen.

Paleoecological and Scientific Importance

Majungasaurus played a dominant ecological role in Late Cretaceous Madagascar. Fossils from the Maevarano Formation have been crucial in reconstructing isolated island dinosaur ecosystems and understanding evolutionary pathways following Madagascar’s long separation from other Gondwanan landmasses.

Claw fossils such as this provide valuable insight into theropod biomechanics, predatory behaviour, and abelisaurid anatomy. They are widely valued in comparative collections for illustrating the distinctive adaptations of southern hemisphere carnivorous dinosaurs.

Collecting and Display Value

Majungasaurus fossils are highly desirable due to their restricted geographic occurrence, scientific importance, and strong collector appeal. Dinosaur claws are especially prized for their dramatic form and association with apex predators.

This specimen makes an exceptional display piece for a fossil cabinet, museum-style collection, private study, or educational setting. The photographs show the exact fossil you will receive, ensuring complete transparency and confidence in your purchase.

Supplied with a fully hand-signed Premium Certificate of Authenticity, this Majungasaurus dinosaur claw fossil from the Maevarano Formation represents a genuine and powerful piece of Late Cretaceous history from one of the world’s most significant dinosaur localities.