Highland Velociraptor
"They could talk to each other." "To a degree we never imagined. Ellie they were smart. They were smarter than Dolphins, than Whales.. they were smarter than Primates.."
~Dr. Ellie Sattler & Dr. Alan Grant
Species:
Velociraptor sp.
Common Name:
Highland Velociraptor
Family:
Dromaeosauridae
Seen in:
• Jurassic Park III (2001)
• Evolution of Claire (2004)
• DinoTracker (2022)
Vocalizations:
Description:
"Carnivore, pack hunter, about two meters tall, long snout, binocular vision, strong dexterous forearms, and killing claws on both feet."
Robert Burke's description of Velociraptor during InGen's expedition on Isla Sorna in 1997 is an apt summary of this stunning predator. Velociraptor is a dromaeosaurid that once inhabited the arid Flaming Cliffs of what is now China and Mongolia during the Late Cretaceous. It was an agile biped capable of rapid sprints.
According to the fossil record, Velociraptor was a small feathered dromaeosaur, just about reaching a human waist in height. It had a narrow snout and winged arms—evidenced by the presence of quill knobs. The Velociraptors cloned by InGen sport no feathers and reach nearly two meters in height. These clones have large grasping arms and boxy heads. A wide variety of distinct Velociraptor strains have been identified, most of which have their own unique traits and behaviors.
This particular breed, the Highland Velociraptor, named after the tropical highlands of Isla Sorna it inhabits, is a rather mysterious raptor strain. Its origins are currently unknown. No leaked documents specify whether the Highland Velociraptors were cloned by InGen during the construction of Jurassic Park or if they were bred later for other purposes.
This strain of Velociraptor is known for its unique morphology and anatomical details. Highland Velociraptors have distinctive narrow snouts strongly resembling that of Velociraptor mongoliensis from the fossil record. Their thin skulls also feature pronounced lacrimal crests. The piercing eyes of these predators are smaller, with tiny circular pupils. The teeth of this cunning carnivore are staggered in size and organized in neat rows. Pronounced scutes line the top and sides of their S-shaped necks. Strikingly, black white-tipped quills rise from the top of the heads of male specimens. These keratinous quills appear to be capable of flaring up like the hackles of a dog.
Highland Velociraptors exhibit a highly organized hierarchy amongst pack mates. These predators are matriarchal, with packs being led and coordinated by a single female individual. The rest of the pack largely consists of subordinate males. It is unclear if the single pack observed in 2001 comprises the entire Highland Velociraptor population or if there are other packs/tribes scattered across Sorna.
As their name suggests, Highland Velociraptors nest in the mountainous regions of Isla Sorna. These nests are highly concentrated, with several mounds only being spaced a meter or two apart. Considering the presence of a single matriarchal female in a pack and the abundance of eggs, it is possible that female Highland raptors engage in polyandry and select male mates within a pack to breed.
These predators are disturbingly intelligent. Highland Velociraptors are capable of complex vocalizations for advanced communication. They are constantly observed barking and calling to coordinate attacks, movements, and strategies. These vocalizations are emitted from an internal resonating chamber within their throats, first researched by Dr. Alan Grant and his student Billy Brennan. This breed is capable of unique vocalizations in the form of undulating avian calls and squawks.
Such complex communication allows Highland Velociraptors to plan intricate traps. These highly intelligent predators have been observed using disabled prey in order to lure further victims who may seek to help. Highland raptors utilize their curved sickle-claws to stab and debilitate prey. Sophisticated ambush predators, these carnivores are also powerful runners.
Size Estimates:
1.65m Tall
4m Long
Did you know?
The Highland Velociraptor territory can be seen in The Lost World: Jurassic Park all the way back in 1997. InGen's infrared satellites scan territory marks on the western interior of Isla Sorna, near the abandoned Embryonics Facility.
Habitat & Geographical Ranging:
Mainly restricted to the Costa Rican island of Isla Sorna, the Highland Velociraptors can be seen living in the southwest to interior regions of the island. These areas consist of lush rainforests where sunlight barely penetrates through the canopy. Highland Velociraptors nest in the mountainous highlands near the abandoned Embryonics Facility. The southwest portion of the island is known for an abundance of mountain ranges. These raptors have been observed traveling as far down as the southern coast of the island in 2001.
It is believed a sole female Highland Velociraptor was transported from Isla Sorna to Isla Nublar in 2004 for future exhibition at Jurassic World. This female was briefly held in a quarantine pen before being euthanized after killing a young Jurassic World intern. While several more individuals were planned to be transported to Nublar, it is unknown whether they were reintroduced after this incident.
The Highland Velociraptor would not be seen again until 2022, with the launch of the DinoTracker program by the Department of Prehistoric Wildlife. A female and male pair would be recorded in Thunder Bay, located in Ontario, Canada. The presence of Highland raptors on the mainland is likely a consequence of the trafficking of Isla Sorna dinosaurs after its abandonment in the early 2000s. Corroborating this notion are reports claiming a male raptor was held at the Amber Clave Night Market in Malta.
Individual Variation:
The major sexual dimorphism can be observed in Highland Velociraptors.
Females feature a light cream, near white body tone broken up by dark brown streaks and spots that extend from the tip of the snout all the way down to the tip of the tail. Their hands and feet are reddish along with their eye sockets, highlighting their vibrant yellow eyes containing a small round pupil.
Males on the other hand, sport a rather dark body tone, exhibiting shades of dark grey, brown, and even purple undertones. Their extremities are also reddish toned. Additionally, the tip of their tails and the small subtle stripes along their back are red. Their belly is a yellowish shade of cream that contrasts their darker bodies. Amongst the most striking features of a Male Highland Velociraptor is the horizontal white stripe outlined in black stretching across its body. This stripe can naturally vary as a single individual has been observed with a dashed, almost spotted stripe. Their heads are especially vibrant—fiery red eyes with yellow irises sitting in vivid blue eye sockets, brilliant red lacrimal crests, and banded quills on the back of their heads.