Thousands of dinosaur footprints dating back around 210 million years have been discovered in a national park in northern Italy.
The dinosaur footprints, some measuring up to 40 centimetres in diameter, are arranged in parallel rows, with many showing clear impressions of toes and claws.
Discovery in Stelvio National Park
The footprints were found on a vertical mountain wall in Stelvio National Park, north-east of Milan, after a photographer spotted the tracks stretching hundreds of metres across the rock face last September.
According to scientists, the tracks likely belonged to prosauropods- herbivorous dinosaurs with long necks, small heads and sharp claws.
“I never would have imagined I’d come across such a spectacular discovery in the region where I live,” said Milan-based palaeontologist Cristiano Dal Sasso.
Traces of ancient behaviour
During the Triassic period, between around 250 and 201 million years ago, the mountain wall is believed to have been a tidal flat before later becoming part of the Alpine chain.
“This place was full of dinosaurs; it’s an immense scientific treasure,” Mr Dal Sasso said.
He added that the dinosaur herds appeared to move together in harmony, noting that some tracks suggest more complex behaviour, such as animals gathering in circles, possibly for defensive purposes.
The prosauropods, which could grow up to 10 metres long, primarily walked on two legs. However, in some cases, handprints were found alongside footprints, indicating the animals may have paused and rested their forelimbs on the ground.
Remote research methods planned
Photographer Elio Della Ferrera, who discovered the site, said he hoped the find would “spark reflection in all of us, highlighting how little we know about the places we live in: our home, our planet”.
According to a press release from Italy’s Ministry of Culture, the area is remote and inaccessible by footpaths, meaning researchers will rely on drones and remote sensing technology to study the site further.
Stelvio National Park is located in the Fraele Valley, close to Italy’s border with Switzerland and near the area where the Winter Olympics will take place next year.
“It’s as if history itself wanted to pay homage to the greatest global sporting event, combining past and present in a symbolic passing of the baton between nature and sport,” the Ministry of Culture said.
Source: BBC
Also read: What did dinosaurs actually sound like?
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