A hiker recently discovered dinosaur footprints in Dujiangyan, China, marking the first such find in the city. The discovery was verified by a research team led by Xing Lida, an associate professor at China University of Geosciences (Beijing).
The team confirmed that the site contains footprints of various sizes from theropods, which were meat-eating dinosaurs. In addition, chirotherian-type tracks were found. These tracks are thought to belong to early archosaur reptiles and have shapes resembling human hands.
“What makes this site particularly valuable is that at least four layers preserve footprints, suggesting dinosaurs lived here for a long period,” Xing explained. The multiple layers indicate that the area was a habitat for dinosaurs over an extended time.
Researchers also discovered fragments of petrified wood nearby. These include fallen logs and upright stumps preserved in their original positions. The fossilized wood provides key insights into the local ecosystem over 200 million years ago. It helps scientists understand the environment where these dinosaurs once roamed.
Jiang Shan, a researcher at the Zigong Dinosaur Museum in Sichuan, emphasized the significance of the find. He said the newly uncovered material offers a clearer picture of the early evolutionary history of dinosaurs in China. The site could become important for future studies of dinosaur behavior and movement patterns.
The discovery of these dinosaur footprints in Dujiangyan highlights the region’s rich prehistoric heritage. Scientists hope that continued research will reveal more about the diversity of species that lived there and their ecological interactions.
This finding also adds to China’s growing list of dinosaur sites, providing further evidence of the country’s significant role in paleontology. With multiple layers of tracks and fossilized plant material, researchers can now study both the animals and the environment of the early Mesozoic era.
The team plans to conduct further excavations to uncover more dinosaur footprints and fossils. These efforts aim to expand understanding of the ancient ecosystems in which these creatures thrived.
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