[1] The holotype of Shanag, IGM 100/1119, was discovered in the Öösh Formation, the stratification of which is uncertain but probably dating to the Berriasian-Barremian.

Shanag bears a strong resemblance to basal Chinese dromaeosaurids such as Microraptor and Sinornithosaurus, suggesting a close similarity between the fauna of the Öösh deposits, dated tentatively to 130 million years ago, and the Jehol Biota of China (such as the animals found in the roughly contemporary Yixian Formation), during the Early Cretaceous.

[1] Shanag was a small predator, measuring about 1.5 metres (4.9 ft) long and weighing around 5 kilograms (11 lb).

[1] Shanag is autopomorphic as it lacks promaxillary fenestra and has interalveolar pneumatic cavities, which separates it from its nearest relative of S.

Though most were not capable of flight, some theropods used their feathers to assist in climbing or simply scrambling up tree trunks.

[3] Feathers also allowed for thermoregulation by reducing the amount of airflow near the skin and preventing heat loss.