Binomial Velociraptor mongoliensis · vuh-LOSS-ih-RAP-tor
Late Cretaceous - 75-71 Ma
AI reconstructionVelociraptor fossil records in Fossil Atlas are mapped as selected modern discovery locations, with 6 source-backed records currently shown. Central Asia, especially Djadokhta and Baruungoyot records from Mongolia and nearby Gobi Desert deposits. Key mapped formations in the current dataset include Djadokhta, Baruungoyot. These pins are fossil record locations, not a complete ancient habitat map.
This remains a specimen profile: the reconstruction, measurements, field account, and evidence sections stay intact. The fossil-map answer is surfaced here so visitors from search can orient themselves before reading the full dossier.
Velociraptor was a small dromaeosaurid dinosaur from Late Cretaceous Central Asia. Fossil Atlas maps selected records from Djadokhta and Baruungoyot deposits in Mongolia and nearby Gobi Desert regions. The real Velociraptor was much smaller than its popular movie image, with a lightly built body, feathered arms, sharp teeth, and a sickle-shaped claw on each hind foot. One of the most famous dinosaur fossils, the Fighting Dinosaurs specimen, preserves a Velociraptor in contact with Protoceratops and provides rare behavioral evidence. Velociraptor is useful for showing why modern fossil maps are not habitat maps: the pins mark selected discovery records from specific fossil-bearing deposits, not every place the animal may have lived.
Drawn true to scale on a metre ruler.
Length
measured2.07 m · 6.8 ft
Largest known specimens
Height
measured0.5 m (1.6 ft) at the hip
Body mass
estimate15 kg · 33 lb
Typical adult
Top speed
estimate40 km/h · 25 mph
Modelled, debated
Bite force
estimate300 lbf
Teeth
measured≈ 28
Brain : body (EQ)
estimate6
Encephalization quotient
Position of this animal’s known range across 252 million years of the Mesozoic and beyond.
75-71 million years ago
Velociraptor was far smaller than its movie reputation, closer to a large turkey or small wolf in overall scale.
The famous Fighting Dinosaurs fossil preserves a Velociraptor and Protoceratops locked in combat.
Velociraptor had a large, sickle-shaped claw on each foot that likely helped grip prey.
Quill knobs reported from a Velociraptor forearm show that it had feathers.
Pack-hunting behavior is often suggested for dromaeosaurs, but direct evidence for Velociraptor pack hunting remains limited.
The name Velociraptor means 'swift thief.'
Its stiffened tail likely helped balance the body during quick turns and movement.
Pins show selected fossil records for Velociraptor; use them as modern discovery evidence, not a complete range map. Modern fossil discovery map: pins show where selected fossil and specimen records were found today, not ancient Earth positions. What does this mean?
Specimen evidence
These are sourced specimen assets, separate from the AI reconstruction. Only media with clear open or reusable rights is displayed by default.
Velociraptor mongoliensis skull, AMNH 6515
AMNH · AMNH 6515 · Smokeybjb
Velociraptor skeletal mount
Esv - Eduard Sola Vazquez
Velociraptor is represented here by selected fossil records from central asia, especially djadokhta and baruungoyot records from mongolia and nearby gobi desert deposits. Fossil Atlas maps those records as modern discovery locations.
No. The map shows modern fossil discovery locations from selected records. Ancient habitat and paleogeographic reconstructions are separate questions.
The current Fossil Atlas records include Djadokhta. Formation coverage depends on the selected dataset and may not be complete.
Yes. Use the expedition card generator to turn the Velociraptor map and specimen profile into a shareable card.
Selected fossil records from PBDB and museum biodiversity aggregators. Source labels and confidence notes help distinguish canonical paleobiology records from specimen-media records.
Reconstruction images are labeled illustrations and do not represent fossil evidence. Size, speed, and bite-force figures are typical published estimates and remain subject to revision as new specimens are described.
Maps use curated PBDB, museum, and specimen-source records with visible caveats.
Pins show where fossils were found or reported today, not exact ancient habitat positions.
Artwork is labeled separately from specimen photos, maps, and source records.
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