A “brave (fearless, valiant) lizard” from Early Cretaceous Sahara Desert of Niger, North Africa. The term ourane in Niger dialect means “fearless or valiant”. From a name used for the desert monitor (Varanus griseus) by the Tuareg tribe of Niger. The fossils were found in the Gadoufaouna deposits, southwest of Elrahz. Named by Philippe Taquet in 1976.