Highland Pteranodon
"Oh my God. It's a bird cage."
~Dr. Alan Grant
Species:
Pteranodon sp.
Common Name:
Highland Pteranodon
Family:
Pteranodontidae
Seen in:
• Jurassic Park III (2001)
• DinoTracker (2001)
Vocalizations:
Description:
The Pteranodon is a mid-sized Pterosaur from the Family of same name, Pteranodontidae. It sports a long crest on the back of its head, and a long narrow toothless beak. These flyers have been seen in a variety of places, both on Isla Nublar and Sorna, and even on the Mainland.
This particular breed, the Highland Pteranodon, receives such name due its predominant habitat being highland cliffs. Unlike other Pteranodons, the Highland one is more robust in body shape, with powerful limbs and torso to sustain long flights. Alongside, ironically, the presence of thin teeth. Unlike other breeds, this is the only one known so far capable of long regional flights, not restricted to the Islands, they've been seen in California coasts by 2001.
Size Estimates:
Male: 2.7m Tall 14m Wingspan
Female: 1.95m Tall 9.75m Wingspan
Did you know?
According to Jurassic Park III's director Joe Johnston in Behind the Scenes material, the Highland Pteranodons were the result of one of Hammond's secret side-project on Isla Sorna.
Habitat & Geographical Ranging:
First seen on Isla Sorna during Dr. Grant's Expedition in 2001, these Pteranodons could be seen constrained to their original Aviary, which was abandoned and locked. The environment consisted of foggy river cliffs with little to no vegetation. The river was extensive and was likely the main source of water and food for the small population seen in there. Only 4 Females could be seen alongside at least 5 to 6 Infants living on a rocky nest.
After Dr. Grant's group stumble across the Pteranodon flock and escape the Aviary, Amanda Kirby leaves one of the gates opened, setting the remaining Pteranodons free. Those, then proceeded to fly out of Isla Sorna in search of a new Nesting Ground, the locality would end up being in the town of Victoria, in British Columbia, Canada. The escaped Pteranodon Trio would then be captured by Vic Hoskins and his team, who would eventually join Jurassic World's Security.
Individual Variation:
With color variation as Sexual Dimorphism, the Highland Pteranodons, females in particular, sport brownish tan colors with tones of peach, orange, dark brown and purple across its body. The males on the other hand, are dark toned, with white belly and wing markings. Red and orange highlights can be seen across its eyes and crest alongside blue markings over its torso.
Interestingly enough, the fossil record shows that females have a much shorter crest than the males, but the Highland Pteranodons present no difference, with both males and females presenting a long angled crest.