Smilodon populator / Doedoricus clavicaudatus

Smilodon, commonly known as the "saber-toothed cat," is a prehistoric big cat that inhabited America approximately between 2.5 million and 10,000 years ago. This imposing predator is characterized by its elongated and sharp fangs, which could measure up to 28 centimeters, giving it a ferocious appearance and specialized in hunting large prey. With a robust and muscular body, Smilodon had strong and short legs, designed to ambush its prey instead of running long distances, since it was not a fast runner like today's felines. Its hunting technique was based on stealth, getting close enough to the prey before launching itself at it with a powerful jump. Then, it used its strong jaws to sink its fangs into the neck or abdomen of the prey, dealing a fatal blow.

On the other hand, Doedicurus was a gigantic herbivorous mammal that lived during the same period in South America. This animal belonged to the family of glyptodonts, characterized by its body covered with a thick bony shell, similar to that of a modern armadillo, but much larger. The Doedicurus could reach more than three meters in length and weigh more than a ton. Its most distinctive feature was its tail, which ended in a huge bony club that it could use to defend itself from predators. Being a large herbivore, it grazed on the plains and savannahs, eating plants and low vegetation.

The interaction between a Smilodon and a Doedicurus would be a confrontation between predator and prey, although it would not be an easy fight for either of them. The Smilodon, although powerful and equipped with its sharp fangs, would have to be extremely careful when attacking a Doedicurus. The thick shell of the latter made it almost impenetrable, and any attempt to attack its flanks would be useless. In addition, the Doedicurus could use its powerful tail as a deadly weapon. If the Smilodon came too close from behind, the Doedicurus' bony club could strike with tremendous force, potentially breaking bones or killing the predator.

The Smilodon, aware of the danger, would likely try to find an angle of attack that would allow it to get close to the head or the Doedicurus' more vulnerable parts, such as the belly, although this would require patience and precise ambush. The cat could follow its prey, stalking it for a long time, waiting for the perfect moment to pounce. However, the Doedicurus, despite its size, would be alert, staying on the move to avoid giving the Smilodon an opportunity to attack. When it felt threatened, it would whip its tail in circles to deter the predator.

In this interaction, although the Smilodon was a formidable predator, the Doedicurus had a significant defensive advantage with its natural armor and lethal club, making the confrontation more balanced than it might seem at first glance. It is likely that on many occasions, Smilodon opted to seek out easier prey, leaving Doedicurus alone after a tense chase.

Approximate measurements of Smilodon:

• 1:35 scale Complete
• Length 69 mm
• Height 44 mm
• Width 38 mm
• Snout-tail base length 63 mm
  
  
• 1:20 scale Complete
• Length 110 mm
• Height 69 mm
• Width 60 mm
• Snout-tail base length 112 mm