Page 81 - Prehistoric Animals

My-A-So-Rus

Mauisaurus.

Mauisaurus (Maui reptile), a genus of plesiosaur,
lived on the earth during the Late Cretaceous, around 80
to 69 million years ago. It measured over 8 metres or
26ft. It’s only known habitat is New Zealand's South Is-
land. It was found there by Julius Haast in 1870 and
named by, Hector in 1874*. Several other finds have
been made but are awaiting or cannot be authenticated
which leaves Hector’s, Mauisaurus haasti, the only spe-
cies of the genus plesiosaur.

One distinguishing feature of Mauisaurus is the
length of its neck. Many believe the length of its neck
could account for nearly a half or even three quarters of
its full body length. On the end of this long neck was a
head with large jaws, and typical of most carnivores,
lined with rows of sharp ripping teeth. Mauisaurus also
had four large fins which would have helped it weave
through the water at speed. With its long flexible neck,
large jaws and speed, this is one aquatic reptile that
would have made an awesome predator.

Mauisaurus is unique to New Zealand's South Is-
land, even its name, Maui is taken from
Māori mythology; their revered ‘Maui’ is said to have
hooked the land (New Zealand) from the watery depths
and pulled it to the surface. In 1993 the New Zealand
Post office decided to celebrate its countries unique pre-
historic animal history and issued individual stamps to
commemorate them. Mauisaurus was on one of them.

Like many of these lost animals, no one really
knows what led to Mauisaurus disappearance. The mass
extinction event that occurred around the end of the Late
Cretaceous, around 66 million years ago is cited as the
most likely cause. Dinosaurs, plants and countless other
species of animals went Extinct in this event.

*The loss of some bone fragments, and the general disquiet about Hec-
tor’s naming has rendered this species ‘nomen nudum’; doubtfully named.